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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, marinated with a zesty lemon garlic blend and perfectly seasoned with oregano and brown sugar. Ready in just under an hour, this recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic chicken drumstick dinner using your air fryer for a healthier, fuss-free cooking method.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Drumsticks Marinade

  • 4 chicken legs drumsticks
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tsp oregano (dried or fresh)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or a plastic bag, combine olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, lemon juice and zest, oregano, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and massage the mixture over the chicken pieces until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) following your manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes; discard any leftover marinade or reheat it gently until simmering to use as a drizzle later.
  5. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the drumsticks and air fry for another 10 minutes. The chicken should develop a darkened, browned, and very crisp exterior when done, totaling 20 minutes of cooking time.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a serving plate and garnish with extra lemon zest, lemon slices or wedges, and fresh oregano or parsley. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use air fryer basket liners or DIY parchment paper with holes to protect your air fryer basket and extend its lifespan.
  • Air-fried chicken reheats well if done promptly the same day; reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
  • Oregano pairs best with lemon garlic, but rosemary, basil, or thyme (fresh or dried) are excellent alternative herbs.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/air-fryer-lemon-garlic-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/