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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Golden, crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks marinated in yoghurt and authentic spices. Juicy inside, charred outside, and ready in just 30 minutes. High-protein, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve over rice, with fresh salad, and a natural yoghurt dip.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Drumsticks and Marinade
  • 8 medium chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp plain natural yoghurt
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp crushed chilli adjust for heat
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh
  • 1 –2 tsp sunflower vegetable, or olive oil
Optional (for pre-wash)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vinegar

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken — If desired, rinse drumsticks under cold water, rub with salt and vinegar, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with kitchen paper. (Skip this if your chicken is already clean.)
  2. Apply the marinade — Place drumsticks in a bowl or on a plate. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chilli, and oregano directly onto the meat. Drizzle yoghurt, lemon juice, and oil over the top.
  3. Coat well — Use your fingers or a spoon to rub the marinade into the drumsticks, ensuring it coats all sides and gets into crevices.
  4. Marinate — Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (preferably overnight).
  5. Preheat air fryer — Set to 180°C and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
  6. Arrange drumsticks — Place marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. First cook — Air-fry for 10 minutes.
  8. Turn & shake — Shake the basket or flip each drumstick to ensure even browning.
  9. Second cook — Air-fry for another 10 minutes (total 20 minutes).
  10. Check doneness — Drumsticks should be golden and crispy outside, with internal temperature reaching 75°C or meat white/opaque inside.
  11. Rest & serve — Let rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve with noodles, rice, fresh salad, and a white yoghurt dip (optional).

Notes

- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fibre: 0g (drumsticks only)
Note: Nutrition facts above are for the drumsticks only. When served with rice, fresh salad (tomato + cucumber), and yoghurt dip, the complete meal adds approximately 15-20g carbs and 3-4g fibre from the vegetables and rice.