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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Choosing fresh chicken drumsticks: Look for drumsticks that feel firm and have a pink hue. Avoid any that seem slimy or have dark spots. Freshness matters for flavor and safety. - Selecting the right type of lemon: Choose bright yellow lemons that feel heavy for their size. They should be firm but slightly soft when you press them. This shows they have juice inside. - Importance of high-quality olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. It has a rich flavor that enhances the chicken. Good oil makes a big difference in your dish. Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. This step helps the skin get crispy. Next, make the marinade mixture. In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt to taste. Stir everything well to combine. Now, add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Toss them in the marinade until each piece is well-coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the drumsticks evenly. Once it's preheated, place the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Put them in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to do this in batches. Air fry the drumsticks for about 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden and crispy. When the drumsticks are done, remove them from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps them moist. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. You can arrange the drumsticks on a platter and drizzle with extra lemon juice. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright touch. To get that crispy skin, start by drying the chicken. Pat the drumsticks with paper towels. Removing moisture is key. It helps them crisp up nicely. Next, use a good olive oil. Olive oil adds flavor and aids in crisping. Air frying at the right temperature is also important. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a quick and even cook. Marinating adds great flavor. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, two hours in the fridge works best. Adding a touch more lemon juice boosts the taste. You might also try adding honey for a sweet twist. This can balance the tartness of the lemon. These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Try serving them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. Rice or mashed potatoes also complement the dish. For drinks, lemonade or iced tea work perfectly. They enhance the lemon flavor while keeping it refreshing. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your lemon pepper chicken drumsticks. To add a kick, try a spicy lemon pepper version. Just mix in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the lemon pepper seasoning. This gives your dish a nice heat that balances well with the lemony flavor. For a more herbal touch, consider herb-infused alternatives. You can mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the marinade. These herbs will add depth and aroma to your chicken, making it even more delightful. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these drumsticks. Oven baking is a great option. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Look for that crispy skin and juicy meat. Grilling is another fun way to cook these drumsticks. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill grates. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning often. This method gives the chicken a smoky flavor that pairs well with the lemon. Want a gluten-free option? You’re in luck! The recipe is gluten-free as it stands. Just check your lemon pepper seasoning to ensure it has no gluten. For a low-sodium recipe, use low-sodium salt or skip it altogether. The lemon juice and lemon zest will still give your drumsticks great flavor. Adjust to your taste, and you'll have a dish that's lighter but still delicious. To store your lemon pepper chicken drumsticks, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are sealed tightly. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, your chicken stays fresh and tasty. If you want to keep the drumsticks longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your chicken drumsticks, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the skin crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, you can use the oven. Just make sure to cover them with foil to avoid drying out. Enjoy your delicious drumsticks! You should cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes. I recommend flipping them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice, crispy skin. The ideal cooking temperature for chicken drumsticks is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. However, they will take longer to cook. Add about 10 to 15 extra minutes to your cooking time. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) as well. You can tell your air fryer is preheated when it reaches the set temperature. Many air fryers have a preheat function or indicator light. If yours does not, simply set it for a few minutes before cooking. Lemon pepper seasoning is generally safe for most diets. However, check the label for added ingredients. Some brands may include preservatives or allergens. If you have specific dietary needs, make your own blend to be safe. In this article, we explored a tasty air fryer chicken drumstick recipe. We discussed quality ingredients, simple preparation steps, and tips for crispy skin. Remember, marinating enhances flavor, and you can try fun variations. Store leftovers correctly to keep them fresh, and always check for doneness. Enjoy making this dish and share it with your loved ones. You’ll impress them with your cooking skills and delicious flavors.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

Savor the delicious flavors of Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks with this easy recipe! Perfectly crispy and bursting with lemony goodness, these drumsticks are quick to make and simply irresistible. Just marinate, air fry, and enjoy! Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family with dinner tonight. #AirFryerRecipes #ChickenDrumsticks #HealthyEating #CookingAtHome
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier texture.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.

      Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them well in the marinade until they're thoroughly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for enhanced flavor).

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

          Once preheated, place the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

            Air fry the drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

              Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the drumsticks on a serving platter, drizzle with extra lemon juice, and sprinkle with more chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.