If you're looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option, these easy lemon pepper drumsticks made in the air fryer are perfect! Bursting with tangy lemon and spicy pepper, this recipe brings a refreshing change to your average weeknight dinner. Learn how to make this flavorful lemon pepper chicken today.
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Lemon pepper chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of tangy lemon pepper, and juicy chicken makes this recipe a favorite among busy parents and home cooks.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Uses fresh lemon juice and olive oil for a nutritious meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
- Great for Entertaining: An impressive dish that's simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
If you like this chicken recipe, you may also love our Greek Style Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes or our Panko Chicken with a squeeze of lemon.
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Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds a healthy fat and helps to crisp the skin.
- Butter: Provides a rich, savory flavor.
- Lemon Pepper: The star seasoning, offering a burst of citrusy and peppery goodness.
- Adobo Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor with a blend of garlic, oregano, and other spices.
- Oregano: Adds a Mediterranean touch.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh and tangy, brightens the dish.
- Pepper: For an extra kick of heat.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
STEP ONE: Prepare the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken drumsticks with olive oil, softened butter, lemon pepper, Adobo seasoning, oregano, lemon juice, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to coat each drumstick evenly.
STEP TWO: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
STEP THREE: Cook the First Batch
Place half of the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
STEP FOUR: Cook the Second Batch
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining drumsticks.SERVE
Arrange the cooked drumsticks on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken Drumsticks: You can use chicken legs, chicken thighs, or wings instead.
- Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.
- Adobo Seasoning: Use garlic powder and a pinch of salt as an alternative.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Flavor: Add a clove of fresh garlic for an extra layer of taste.
- Spice: Increase the pepper for a spicier kick.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Storage
Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure to evenly coat the drumsticks with the seasoning mixture.
Preheating the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior. Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Leftover lemons would make a Delicious Lemon Ricotta Cake with Fresh Raspberries.
- Try Lemon garlic roasted vegetables or add lemons to pasta.
- Leftover chicken would go well in a salad.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Chicken Drumsticks pair well with these Green Beans with Almonds.
- Serve Lemon Pepper Drumsticks with this Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
- You may also like this Asparagus Orzo with Peas.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Lemon garlic chicken thighs
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Lemon herb chicken
Related
More air fryer recipes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Lemon pepper seasoning is typically made from a blend of dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and sometimes additional spices such as garlic, onion, and salt.
Yes, you can make your own lemon pepper seasoning by combining dried lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional spices you prefer, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
📖 Recipe
Lemon Pepper Drumsticks
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ½ lemon juice of
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- parsley
- lemon slices
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, softened butter, lemon pepper, Adobo seasoning, oregano, lemon juice, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure each drumstick is fully coated with the mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place half of the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Repeat the cooking process with the remaining drumsticks.
- Arrange the cooked drumsticks on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Notes
- Chicken Drumsticks: You can use chicken legs, thighs or wings instead.
- Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.
- Adobo Seasoning: Use garlic powder and a pinch of salt as an alternative.
Nutrition
Enjoy making these easy lemon pepper chicken drumsticks and share your results with us! For more delicious recipes, visit our blog and explore our wide range of family-friendly meals.
Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
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