Cajun-Spiced Chicken Drumsticks

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy drumsticks coated in a smoky spice blend, air-fried to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and tender interior. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, vegetable oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in an air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Flip the drumsticks, then air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Chicken Drumsticks take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Chicken Drumsticks?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Chicken Drumsticks?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Chicken Drumsticks for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Chicken Drumsticks?

Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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