How Long to Cook Frozen Drumsticks in Air Fryer?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook delicious drumsticks without sacrificing flavor, an air fryer is an excellent option. Air fryers use minimal oil and hot air circulation to cook food, making them a popular choice for health-conscious cooks. Frozen drumsticks can be a bit tricky to cook, but with the right time and temperature settings, you can achieve perfectly cooked and crispy drumsticks.
How Long to Cook Frozen Drumsticks in Air Fryer?
The cooking time for frozen drumsticks in an air fryer will depend on the temperature, drumstick size, and desired level of crispiness. Here’s a general guideline to help you cook perfect frozen drumsticks in an air fryer:
Cooking Time by Temperature:
Temperature | Cooking Time |
---|---|
400°F (200°C) | 20-25 minutes |
420°F (220°C) | 15-20 minutes |
440°F (225°C) | 12-15 minutes |
As you can see, higher temperatures result in shorter cooking times. If you prefer a crisper exterior and a juicy interior, opt for a higher temperature.
Cooking Time by Drumstick Size:
- Small Drumsticks (<2 oz each): 10-15 minutes at 420°F (220°C) or 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- Medium Drumsticks (2-3 oz each): 15-20 minutes at 420°F (220°C) or 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- Large Drumsticks (3 oz and above): 20-25 minutes at 420°F (220°C) or 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
The larger the drumstick, the longer it will take to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the size of your drumsticks.
Desired Level of Crispiness:
- Lightly Crisped: 10-15 minutes at 420°F (220°C)
- Medium Crisp: 15-20 minutes at 420°F (220°C)
- Very Crispy: 20-25 minutes at 440°F (225°C)
The level of crispiness is a matter of personal preference. If you like your drumsticks extra crispy, opt for a higher temperature and a longer cooking time.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Drumsticks in an Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature.
- Place the frozen drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Spray the drumsticks with cooking spray or brush with oil to help crispiness.
- If you’re unsure about the cooking time, start checking for doneness at 5-minute intervals.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. Drumsticks should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Converting Air Fryer Times to Regular Oven Times:
- To convert the air fryer time to regular oven time, multiply the air fryer time by 2-3 times. This is because convection heat cooks faster than air circulation.
- Example: If you cooked drumsticks for 20 minutes at 420°F (220°C) in the air fryer, cook them for 40-60 minutes at 400°F (200°C) in a regular oven.
By following these guidelines and tips, you can achieve delicious, crispy, and juicy drumsticks using an air fryer. Happy cooking!
Conclusion:
Cooking frozen drumsticks in an air fryer is a breeze! With these guidelines and tips, you can achieve the perfect cooking time and crispiness for your drumsticks. Whether you prefer lightly crisped or very crispy drumsticks, you’ll be on your way to cooking up a storm with your air fryer.