Crispy and Juicy: How to Perfectly Air Fry Drumsticks
Drumsticks, one of the most loved chicken parts, are known for their meatiness, tenderness, and flavor. They are usually cooked by grilling, baking, or frying, which tends to take up a lot of time and effort. However, with air frying, drumsticks can be cooked perfectly to perfection, without any oil and very little preparation.
Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, which uses up a lot of oil, leading to higher calorie and fat content. Air frying, on the other hand, uses hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior, similar to deep-frying, but without the added oil.
Here’s how to perfectly air fry drumsticks in just a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
– 6 to 8 chicken drumsticks
– 1 tbsp. of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C).
2. Insert the chicken drumsticks into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss until well coated.
3. Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other or overlapping. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
4. Remove from the air fryer basket, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Health Benefits:
Air frying is a healthier way of cooking, as it uses hot air instead of oil, resulting in fewer calories and less fat. Drumsticks are a healthier chicken part, as they contain less fat than other parts such as wings or thighs. Chicken is also a great source of protein and other nutrients such as vitamin B and selenium. Additionally, air frying can lead to a reduction in acrylamide, a chemical that forms when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, which has been linked to cancer.
FAQs:
1. Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking drumsticks?
Yes, you do. Preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the desired temperature before placing your drumsticks into the basket. Preheating also helps to make sure that your drumsticks cook evenly and are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
2. Can I cook frozen drumsticks in my air fryer?
Yes, you can. However, you need to adjust the cooking time to ensure that they cook properly. Frozen drumsticks will take longer to cook than fresh ones, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes per side.
3. Can I use other types of chicken parts instead of drumsticks in my air fryer?
Yes, you can. Other chicken parts such as wings, thighs, and breasts can also be cooked using an air fryer. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken part.
4. Can I use a marinade for my drumsticks when air frying them?
Yes, you can. However, it’s best to use a marinade that doesn’t contain sugar, as it can cause the chicken to burn. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs or spices works well and adds flavor to your chicken.
In conclusion, air frying drumsticks is a quick, easy, and healthy way of enjoying this delicious chicken part. It’s also a great way of reducing the amount of oil and calories in your diet. With the right preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and juicy drumsticks every time.