Print

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Drummies

crispy air fryer parmesan chicken drummies - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, cheesy chicken drumettes cooked in the air fryer, perfect for dinner or game day snacks with a flavorful parmesan breadcrumb coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken drumettes (skin-on)
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (100g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (90g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumettes dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Dip each drumette first into the egg wash, shaking off excess, then dredge it in the parmesan breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help the coating adhere. Place coated drummies on a baking sheet or plate.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 10-11 minutes). Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and a golden, crispy crust. Shake the basket gently if browning is uneven.
  8. Let the drummies rest for 3-5 minutes once out of the air fryer to lock in juices. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side salad.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for a crispy crust. Lightly spray with olive oil before air frying for a golden finish. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy spots. Chilling coated chicken for 10 minutes before cooking helps the crust set better. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan chicken, crispy chicken drummies, easy dinner, game day snacks, panko chicken, healthy fried chicken