Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Three ingredients. A Cajun blend does most of the work, so you can season the chicken without measuring out a handful of spices.
• Crisp skin and tender meat. The drumsticks brown on both sides, and the seasoning gives the skin plenty of flavor.
• Easy to pair with what you have. Brown rice, sweet potatoes, or a crisp salad all work with the peppery chicken.

Quick Success Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before adding oil and seasoning. This helps the skin brown.
• Leave a little space around each drumstick. Cook in batches if your basket can't hold them in a single layer.
• Set out an instant-read thermometer before you start. Cajun seasoning can darken as it cooks, so the color of the skin won't tell you when the chicken is done.

Why This Works

A light coat of oil helps the Cajun seasoning cling to the drumsticks. Turning them partway through gives both sides a chance to brown, especially the side that starts against the basket.

Ingredients you'll need to make cajun chicken legs.

Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken drumsticks. Look for bone-in, skin-on pieces that are close in size so they finish cooking around the same time.

Cajun seasoning. Use a mild blend if you want less heat.

Olive oil. You only need enough to lightly coat the chicken and help the seasoning stick.

How to make cajun chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil over each piece, then rub the Cajun seasoning all over the chicken. Slip some under the skin wherever it lifts easily.

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Check the thickest part of each drumstick with an instant-read thermometer, keeping the probe away from the bone. The chicken is ready when it reaches at least 165°F. If a larger piece needs more time, leave it in and check it again after a few minutes.

Recipe tips:

• If your drumsticks are different sizes, check the smaller ones first. Take them out when they reach 165°F and give the larger ones a little longer.
• Check the Cajun seasoning label before you start. A salt-free or lower-sodium blend gives you more control. If you use a salted blend, taste the cooked chicken before adding any extra salt.

How long do you cook cajun chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

It usually takes between 22 and 25 minutes to cook cajun chicken air fryer at 370°F, but the time will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks you're using and on your air fryer.

To ensure that your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and check the temperature is at least 165°F.

Make It a Meal

Serve the drumsticks with Instant Pot brown rice and massaged kale and apple salad. The sweet apple is especially good alongside the Cajun heat.

If you already have a vegetable or some potatoes left from another meal, warm those up while the chicken cooks. A spoonful of sour cream at the table is handy for anyone who wants to cool down the spice a little.

Storage and Reheating cajun chicken drumsticks

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and use them within 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating in the air fryer

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer and reheat at 350°F. Start checking around 5 minutes for refrigerated drumsticks and flip them once as they warm. Cooked drumsticks reheated from frozen will take longer. Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F throughout.

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