Air Fryer Cornflake Crusted Chicken Drumsticks: Crispy, Juicy Perfection!

Craving crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks without the guilt of deep frying? Look no further! These air fryer cornflake crusted chicken drumsticks are incredibly easy to make, surprisingly healthy, and utterly delicious. This recipe delivers that satisfying crunch we all love, while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside. Get ready to say goodbye to soggy chicken and hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner!

This recipe caters to busy weeknights and health-conscious individuals alike. The air fryer is a game-changer, allowing you to achieve that deep-fried texture without all the extra oil. The cornflake crust adds a fantastic crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly. Plus, clean-up is a breeze! Let’s dive into the details of creating these mouthwatering drumsticks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The cornflake crust creates an irresistible crunch that rivals deep-fried chicken.
• Healthy Alternative: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to traditional frying methods.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks in under 30 minutes.
• Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors and crunchy texture make these drumsticks a hit with kids (and adults!).
• Versatile: Customize the seasoning to your liking for endless flavor variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Drumsticks: About 1.5 – 2 pounds, skin on or off (skin-on will be crispier).
• Cornflakes: 3 cups of plain cornflakes, crushed.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten.
• Milk (or Buttermilk): 2 tablespoons (for thinning the egg mixture, buttermilk adds a tangy flavor).
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor).
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste).
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste).
• Optional Seasonings: Cayenne pepper (for heat), Italian seasoning, chili powder, or your favorite spice blend.
• Cooking Spray: For the air fryer basket.

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy texture.
• Shallow Dishes or Bowls: For the flour, egg mixture, and cornflake crumbs.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Food Processor (Optional): For quickly crushing the cornflakes. A zip-top bag and rolling pin work just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect air fryer cornflake crusted chicken drumsticks:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken drumsticks. Ensure each drumstick is well seasoned.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Stations

1. Flour Station: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish.
2. Egg Wash Station: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk).
3. Cornflake Crumb Station: Crush the cornflakes. You can use a food processor for a finer crumb, or place the cornflakes in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Place the crushed cornflakes in a third shallow dish.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

This is the key to a perfectly crusted chicken! Follow these steps carefully:

1. Dredge in Flour: Dredge each chicken drumstick in the flour, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured drumstick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
3. Coat in Cornflake Crumbs: Press the drumstick firmly into the crushed cornflakes, coating it completely on all sides. Make sure the cornflakes adhere well to the chicken.
4. Repeat the coating process for all the remaining drumsticks.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Place the coated chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Overcrowding the basket will steam the chicken instead of crisping it.
4. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the drumsticks.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

1. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. If the chicken is not yet cooked through, continue air frying for a few more minutes, checking the temperature periodically.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful drumstick.
2. Serve the air fryer cornflake crusted chicken drumsticks immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding will steam the chicken.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry before coating helps the flour and cornflakes adhere better, resulting in a crispier crust.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the chicken crisp up nicely.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking the temperature periodically.
• Spray with Oil (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the coated chicken drumsticks with cooking oil before air frying.
• Double Dip: For an even thicker and crispier crust, you can double dip the chicken in the egg wash and cornflake crumbs.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken and the cornflake crumbs generously. This is where you can customize the flavor to your liking.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Chicken: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the spice mixture or cornflake crumbs for a spicy kick.
• Italian Chicken: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to the cornflake crumbs for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Honey Mustard Chicken: Brush the cooked chicken drumsticks with honey mustard sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• BBQ Chicken: Brush the cooked chicken drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce for a classic BBQ flavor.
• Gluten-Free Chicken: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: While this recipe is written for drumsticks, you can easily adapt it for other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken breasts will need to be pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
• Add Cheese: Mix grated Parmesan cheese or other hard cheeses into the cornflake mixture for extra flavor and a cheesy crust.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some suggestions include rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of brown sugar to the cornflake mixture for a hint of sweetness that complements the savory spices.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer cornflake crusted chicken drumsticks are delicious on their own or served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or sweet chili sauce.
• Side Dishes: Pair with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, French fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, green beans, or a simple salad.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the cooked chicken to make sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
• Tacos or Bowls: Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or bowls with rice, beans, salsa, and other toppings.
• Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Coat the chicken drumsticks with the flour, egg wash, and cornflake crumbs, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to air fry. This can save you time on busy weeknights. Be sure to store the coated chicken in a single layer to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer will give you the best results in terms of maintaining the crispy crust. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the crust soggy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Here is an approximate breakdown per drumstick:

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g

These values are estimates and should be used as a general guide only. For accurate nutritional information, calculate the values based on the specific ingredients you use.

Conclusion

These air fryer cornflake crusted chicken drumsticks are a delicious, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. With their crispy crust and juicy interior, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, fire up your air fryer and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy the crunchy goodness and happy cooking!