Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks and Broccoli

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly easy and packed with flavor? Our Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks and Broccoli recipe is your new go-to! This simple sheet pan-style meal, adapted for the air fryer, delivers juicy chicken and perfectly tender-crisp broccoli with minimal effort and quick cleanup. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dinner solution that brings delicious results in under half an hour.

Your Speedy Dinner at a Glance

Get ready to whip up a fantastic meal in no time!

• Servings: 3
• Total Time: Approximately 23 minutes
• Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approximate):
  • Calories: 481g
  • Net Fat: 32.1g
  • Carbs: 5.1g
  • Protein: 39.2g

Why This Air Fryer Duo is a Winner

The air fryer is a magical tool for achieving crispy textures without a lot of oil, and it truly shines with this recipe. The chicken drumsticks cook up incredibly juicy on the inside with a beautifully browned, seasoned skin. Meanwhile, the broccoli gets wonderfully tender with slightly crispy florets, perfectly complementing the chicken. It’s a complete protein and veggie meal that’s fuss-free and full of flavor, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

You’ll love how few ingredients you need for such a delicious outcome!

• 16 ounces chicken drumsticks
• 12 ounces broccoli
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Your Easy Steps to Air Fryer Deliciousness

Follow these straightforward steps for a perfectly cooked meal:

1. Prep Your Ingredients & Air Fryer: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If your broccoli isn’t already cut into florets, go ahead and do that now. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) as you get everything else ready.
2. Season the Drumsticks: Drizzle half of the olive oil (2 tablespoons) over the chicken drumsticks. Season them generously with the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to your liking. Make sure the drumsticks are evenly coated.
3. Season the Broccoli: Drizzle the remaining half of the olive oil (2 tablespoons) over the broccoli florets. Season them with salt and pepper to taste, tossing to ensure all the florets are lightly coated.
4. Load the Air Fryer: Carefully add the seasoned drumsticks to the air fryer pan or basket. Then, spread the seasoned broccoli florets around the chicken, trying your best to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
5. Cook & Flip: Cook the chicken and broccoli for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, open the air fryer basket and carefully flip the drumsticks to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Give the broccoli a quick toss as well.
6. Finish Cooking & Serve: Close the air fryer and continue to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken drumsticks are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned.
7. Enjoy! Serve your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks and Broccoli immediately and savor your quick and healthy meal!

Our Top Tips for Perfection

Want extra crispy chicken and perfectly tender-crisp broccoli? Keep these tips in mind:

• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Before seasoning, pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that desirable crispy skin. Also, make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly around each piece.
• For Tender-Crisp Broccoli: While the recipe calls for adding it at the start, for broccoli that’s perfectly tender-crisp with a slight char, toss it thoroughly in olive oil and seasonings, then add it during the last 10 minutes of the chicken’s cooking time. This prevents it from getting too soft or burnt while ensuring it still gets beautifully roasted.

This Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks and Broccoli dish is a testament to how simple ingredients and a smart cooking method can create a truly satisfying and wholesome meal. Give it a try, and enjoy your new weeknight favorite!