How to Make Delicious Butterflied Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer

If you’re craving restaurant-quality chicken, but without the high price tag, then these butterflied chicken drumsticks are for you. With a crispy skin, juicy meat, and a blend of organic spices, these chicken legs are a budget-friendly treat that will have you feeling like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant. This recipe is not only super easy but you can cook it in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill. The butterflied chicken drumsticks are perfect for any occasion, and they’re guaranteed to impress everyone at the dinner table!

Why I Love These Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks

I absolutely love butterflied chicken drumsticks because they give you the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy meat, much like what you’d expect from a high-end restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost. The process of butterflying (or “splitting”) the chicken legs helps them cook evenly and quickly, allowing for a crispy skin without drying out the meat. And the best part? You can enjoy restaurant-worthy chicken right at home, with minimal effort and for a budget-friendly price. Air-chilled organic drumsticks are a game-changer—they are more flavorful and juicy than traditional factory-farmed chicken, and they make the perfect base for this easy, flavorful recipe.

Not only are these butterflied drumsticks a treat for your taste buds, but they also provide a cost-effective way to enjoy organic chicken without spending a fortune. When you use air-chilled organic chicken, you’re getting a higher-quality product without paying the premium for boneless cuts or breasts. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with sides like pasta salad, potato salad, or mashed potatoes—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings!

Ingredients:

• 6 organic chicken drumsticks, butterflied
• 1–2 tablespoons organic olive oil
• Diamond Crystal salt, to taste
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon organic garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon organic paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon organic oregano or thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon organic cumin

Optional for dipping: Primal Kitchen ranch dressing or homemade ranch

Instructions:

1. Butterfly the Chicken Drumsticks:
   Begin by preparing your chicken drumsticks. Take each drumstick and carefully cut the meat along the length of the bone—be sure not to cut through the bone itself. Once the meat is sliced down the length of the bone, open it up like a book. Repeat this process for all six drumsticks. The result will be tender, juicy chicken with a wide surface area to absorb those delicious seasonings.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Transfer the butterflied chicken to a bowl. Drizzle with organic olive oil and season generously with Diamond Crystal salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano (or thyme), and cumin. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into the chicken, making sure every bit of meat is coated. If possible, allow the chicken to marinate in the spices for about an hour to let the flavors develop, but if you’re short on time, this step can be skipped. The seasoning will still work its magic.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is the magic temperature that gives the chicken its perfect crispy skin while ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer to allow the air to circulate evenly around each piece for optimal cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes on one side, then flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the model. For the perfect crispy chicken skin, check that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 165°F, which is the safe cooking temperature for chicken.
5. Let it Cool and Serve:
   Once the butterflied chicken drumsticks are done, let them cool slightly before serving. You can dip them in Primal Kitchen ranch dressing or a homemade ranch if you like, but they’re just as delicious on their own.

Other Ways to Cook Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks

If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can still enjoy these butterflied chicken legs using other cooking methods:

• Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the seasoned butterflied chicken drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes for even cooking. The crispy skin and smoky flavor from the grill will add a delicious touch to your chicken. Make sure to check the internal temperature—when it reaches 165°F, your chicken is ready to serve!
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the butterflied chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

What to Serve with Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks

These butterflied chicken drumsticks pair perfectly with a variety of sides, making them an ideal main dish for any meal:

• Pasta Salad: A light, refreshing pasta salad with veggies or a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavor of the grilled or air-fried chicken. It’s the perfect side for a summer BBQ. Try one of the recipes here!

• Dill Roasted Potatoes: I grew up on this recipe and it does not disappoint! Always a hit and would go perfect with these chicken legs.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty meal, mashed potatoes are always a hit. Whether you go for buttery mashed potatoes or a garlic-infused version, they will complement the crispy skin and juicy meat of the butterflied drumsticks. Try my favorite easy recipe here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover butterflied chicken drumsticks?
A: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain the crispy skin.

Q: Can I use a different seasoning for these butterflied chicken drumsticks?
A: Absolutely! You can customize the seasoning to fit your preferences. For a BBQ flavor, try using a BBQ seasoning mix or homemade BBQ rub. For an even spicier kick, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I use this same recipe for chicken wings?
A: Yes! This seasoning and cooking method works great for chicken wings as well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the wings. Typically, chicken wings cook faster than drumsticks, so check them at the 12-15-minute mark in the air fryer.

Q: How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
A: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Once the temperature hits 165 , your chicken is done!

Q: What is the best air fryer for this recipe?
A: I highly recommend the Instant Omni Air Fryer for recipes like this. It’s incredibly easy to use, provides even cooking, and gives you that crispy skin without the mess of deep frying. I’ll link to it here for your convenience.

Final Thoughts

These butterflied chicken drumsticks are a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly way to enjoy high-quality organic chicken. Whether you’re using the air fryer, grilling, or baking, the result is tender, juicy chicken with that coveted crispy skin that everyone loves. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend BBQs, or when you just want to impress your guests with restaurant-quality chicken at home. Enjoy these with pasta salad, potato salad, or mashed potatoes for the perfect meal!

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This recipe was inspired by Shred Happens- the original recipe can be found here: https://shredhappens.com/crispy-butterflied-chicken-legs/#mv-creation-42-jtr

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