These air fryer chicken drumsticks prove you don’t need frying to get rich flavor and crispy texture. Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options make this a must-have recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, party, or game day spread!
Easy, crunchy and flavorful appetizer
These Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Drumsticks are everything we love for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner or game day snack. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of bold ranch flavor without the mess or extra oil that comes with frying. The air fryer gives you a crispy crunch in under 25 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or food cravings.
Whether you eat them straight from the basket or with a traditional dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, these ranch seasoned drumsticks will disappear quickly!
Why we love this recipe:
- quick and easy – Ready in about 20 minutes
- Crispy without frying – Thanks to the air fryer
- Big flavor, minimal ingredients – Ranch seasoning does all the work.
- family friendly – Mild tailored heat
- perfect for parties – Easy to double or batch cook.
Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Wings
- Dry the chicken well. – Moisture is the enemy of crispness.
- Don’t fill your basket too full – Air circulation is essential. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use oil sparingly – The amount is sufficient to allow the seasoning to stick well and promote browning.
- half flip – Ensures even cooking and crispy skin on all sides.
- Add seasoning in layers. – Enhances flavor without burning spices.
Storage and reheating
- Refrigerated storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 hour. 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes Until warm and crispy again.
- Avoid using the microwave: It softens the skin.
Substitute Ingredients:
- Chicken legs:
Substitute chicken wings, drumettes, thighs, or boneless chicken tenders (adjust cooking time). - Ranch Spice Packets:
Use homemade ranch seasoning (dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt). - olive oil:
Avocado oil or melted butter also works well. - Red pepper flakes:
Substitute with smoked paprika or omit it for a milder version.
Flavor variations and suggestions:
Want to mix things up? Try one of these easy variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Garlic Ranch: After cooking, add ½ teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic and mix.
- Buffalo Ranch: After frying in the air fryer, spread warm buffalo sauce on the wings.
- Parmesan Ranch: When hot, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese powder.
- Lemon Herb Ranch: Finish with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley.
More family favorite party foods:
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Drumsticks
With simple ingredients, easy prep, and endless customization options, these Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for a weeknight dinner, party, or game day spread.
Serving Size: 8
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This step is important for crispy skin!
season: Add drumsticks to a large bowl. Sprinkle olive oil, half of ranch seasoningSalt, pepper, red pepper powder. Toss until evenly coated.
To preheat the air fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket and preheat it. 400°F.
Cook: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in two batches). cook 20-25 minutesIt rotates in the middle.
Midway Seasoning: When halfway through, sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning over the drumsticks and toss lightly.
Check if it is cooked. The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and slightly seared and the internal temperature reaches about 5 degrees. 165°F.
provide: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. take pleasure in!
