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Crispy Lemon Pepper Drumsticks in the Air Fryer: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Crispy Lemon Pepper Drumsticks in the Air Fryer

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  • Author: Sandra
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 25
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 drumsticks each) 1x
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A quick weeknight meal with juicy chicken drumsticks coated in zesty lemon pepper seasoning. Air-fried to golden perfection, these drumsticks offer a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort and a satisfying crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs total)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cracked black pepper
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp lemon zest (from 23 lemons)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
12 tbsp olive oil spray (for coating)


Instructions

Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt and garlic powder.
In a bowl, mix flour, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest.
Coat each drumstick evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place drumsticks in air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray with olive oil.
Air fry for 12 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook 8-10 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.


Notes

Use homemade lemon pepper seasoning by toasting 1 tbsp black pepper in a dry pan until fragrant and mixing with 1 tbsp salt and lemon zest.
For extra crispiness, pat chicken dry thoroughly before coating.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad for a balanced meal.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 drumstick
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg