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Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks

These Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, flavorful, and healthy! A zesty lemon-herb marinade infuses tender chicken with fresh flavor, then the air fryer locks in the juiciness while crisping the skin—perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Air Fryer Recipes, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Healthy
Servings 4
Calories 1440 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken drumsticks preferably with skin for extra crispiness
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick Optional

Instructions
 

  • 1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken drumsticks and toss them until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even deeper flavor, let the drumsticks marinate for up to 4 hours.
  • 2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
    Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for 3–5 minutes. Preheating is essential to ensure that the chicken starts cooking immediately, locking in its juices and creating a beautifully crispy skin.
  • 3. Air Fry the Drumsticks
    Place the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.
  • 4. Serve and Enjoy
    Transfer the drumsticks to a serving platter. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes whether that’s a crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or a serving of quinoa.

Notes

  • Pat Dry for Extra Crispiness: Before marinating, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crisper skin when air frying.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For optimal results, ensure there’s enough space between drumsticks so the air can circulate freely.
  • Adjust Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating for up to 4 hours will intensify the flavors if you have the time.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, dinner, drumsticks, healthy recipe, herb, lemon