These chili spiced air fryer chicken drumsticks are crispy, juicy and flavorful with a kick. They can be made quickly for an easy keto lunch or dinner.
Why I love this recipe:
- The best part of this recipe is the crispy skin and the juicy meat on the chicken…all without frying it in oil! The chili spices add so much flavor and depth to it as well.
- I love that this recipe involves very minimal effort. You just toss the drumsticks in a bit of oil, add the spices, then air fry it for less than 20 minutes. Super easy and delicious!
- These drumsticks are a great healthy alternative to fried chicken. It’s also keto and paleo friendly!
Chili spiced air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe tips:
- If you’re sensitive to spicy foods omit the cayenne pepper. The chipotle and chili powder are very mildly spicy. The chili flakes are medium spicy.
- I like to use avocado oil in this recipe because it’s a healthy oil that is liquid at room temperature that’s great to use for high heat cooking. You can use any liquid high heat oil in place of avocado oil. See my list of healthy oils here. I would not recommend canola oil or vegetable oil since they are unhealthy oils.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. I used the Ninja Foodi Grill. For me it took about 17 minutes, but it could be anywhere from 15-25 minutes depending on your machine. To be safe it’s best to use a meat thermometer and make sure that the internal temperature is 165°F when it’s done.
- These can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat from the refrigerator, put in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10-20 minutes checking periodically until it’s warm.
How to make these chili spiced air fryer chicken drumsticks:
Start by pre-heating the air fryer to 390°F if necessary for your specific model. Put the chicken into a bowl and gather your oil and spices.
Toss the chicken with oil and coat evenly. Then sprinkle the spices over it and mix until coated evenly.
Once the air fryer is ready, add the drumsticks to the air fryer basket and make sure the chicken has enough space around it to cook evenly.
Cook for about 9 minutes, then turn halfway through and cook the remaining 8 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. When it’s done remove it from the air fryer and allow to cool a few minutes before eating.
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These chili spiced air fryer chicken drumsticks are crispy, juicy and flavorful with a kick. They can be made quickly for an easy keto lunch or dinner.
- 2 lbs. Chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp chipotle powder or chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional- for hotter spice
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If necessary preheat the air fryer to 390°
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While it's preheating put the drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle with avocado oil. Mix to coat evenly.
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In a separate bowl combine all remaining spice ingredients and mix.
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Evenly sprinkle spice mixture over all sides of the chicken.
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Once the grill has preheated open the top and place the drumsticks inside. Leave room so the chicken isn’t crowded to get an even cook and close the lid. Set the time for a total of 17 minutes.
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Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken with a utensil. Cook another 8 minutes and check the chicken to make sure the internal temperature has reached 165°. If not fully cooked yet, check every 3-5 minutes until it has an internal temperature of 165°.
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Remove from the grill and let cool before eating.
- If you're sensitive to spicy foods omit the cayenne pepper. The chipotle and chili powder are very mildly spicy. The chili flakes are medium spicy.
- I like to use avocado oil in this recipe because it's a healthy oil that is liquid at room temperature that's great to use for high heat cooking. You can use any liquid high heat oil in place of avocado oil. See my list of healthy oils here. I would not recommend canola oil or vegetable oil since they are unhealthy oils.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. I used the Ninja Foodi Grill. For me it took about 17 minutes, but it could be anywhere from 15-25 minutes depending on your machine. To be safe it's best to use a meat thermometer and make sure that the internal temperature is 165°F when it's done.
- These can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat from the refrigerator, put in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10-20 minutes checking periodically until it's warm.
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My kids would love this. They love everything cooked in the air fryer and I have to agree. This is a great weeknight dish or could be prepped ahead for the week.
Wow, yum! Those drumsticks don’t look dry at all. I’ve got an air-fryer so I’ll try this recipe!
Yummy! I’m going to make this as soon as I can. I love chicken. Thanks!
This air fryer chicken looks so simple to make! I am always looking for simple chicken recipes, and will definitely be giving this one a try.
You had me at crispy skin and juicy meat. I don’t own an air fryer but after reading your post I’m pretty sure I need one.