Air Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Chicken drumsticks: The main protein for this dish, providing a juicy and tender texture.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken and allows the spices to adhere better.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.

Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy taste that is characteristic of Peruvian cuisine.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

Lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the spices.

To ensure your chicken drumsticks are evenly cooked and crispy, make sure to preheat your air fryer properly before adding the drumsticks. This helps in achieving a consistent cooking temperature right from the start. Additionally, when turning the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process, use tongs to avoid piercing the meat, which can cause the juices to escape and result in drier chicken.

• chicken drumsticks - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which works well for air frying.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that complements the dish.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a warm, citrusy flavor that can mimic the earthiness of cumin.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a similar savory depth, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Place the cooled drumsticks in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chicken drumsticks will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

• For freezing, wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they maintain their flavor and texture.

• Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

• Freeze the chicken drumsticks for up to 3 months. Beyond this period, they may lose some of their quality.

• To reheat, thaw the drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can use the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

• Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of your air fried Peruvian chicken drumsticks once again!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them with another piece of foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

• Use your air fryer for a quick reheat. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are hot and crispy again.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken drumsticks in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through.

• Microwave for a quick and easy option. Place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning halfway through, until they are hot.

• If you have a steamer, this method can keep the chicken moist. Place the drumsticks in the steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

• Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to cook the chicken drumsticks to a crispy perfection without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is needed to mix the olive oil, spices, and lime juice, and to coat the chicken drumsticks evenly.

• Tongs: Useful for turning the chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the spices and lime juice to ensure the right flavor balance.

• Basting brush: Can be used to apply the spice mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks if you prefer not to use your hands.

• Paper towels: Handy for patting the chicken drumsticks dry before coating them with the spice mixture to ensure better adhesion and crispiness.

• Serving platter: Once the drumsticks are cooked, you’ll need a nice platter to serve them hot.

• Knife: Useful for making small slits in the drumsticks if you want the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Marinate ahead: Mix the spice mixture and coat the chicken drumsticks the night before. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating your air fryer while you prepare the chicken. This ensures it’s ready to go as soon as you are.

Batch cooking: If you have a large air fryer, cook more drumsticks at once. You can store leftovers for quick meals later.

Use a liner: Place a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket to reduce cleanup time.

Instant-read thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to quickly check if the chicken is cooked through.