Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. They’re an easy, budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2½ lbs / 1.1 kg)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top (optional, for crispier skin).
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all the drumsticks.
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. For extra crispy skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 20–24 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Check that the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for the crispiest skin.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 8 hours for even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Roasted potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Steamed broccoli
- Garden salad
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes (oven) or 20–24 minutes (air fryer)
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35–60 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 290 calories per serving