Oh my gosh, you have to try these basil pesto air fryer drumsticks! They’re my go-to when I need something ridiculously easy but packed with flavor. I swear, the air fryer works magic on chicken – crispy skin, juicy meat, and that gorgeous green pesto clinging to every bite. The first time I made these, my husband asked if I’d been slaving in the kitchen for hours (ha! just 25 minutes). Now they’re our favorite weeknight dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Basil Pesto Air Fryer Drumsticks
Listen, I know you’re busy—we all are—which is why these drumsticks are about to become your new best friend. They’re the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius with minimal effort. Here’s the deal:
Perfectly Crispy Texture
That air fryer magic? It’s real. The hot air circulation gives you that golden, crackly skin we all crave—no vat of oil required. And here’s my favorite part: the pesto helps create this irresistible crust that locks in all the juiciness. It’s like the drumsticks got a crispy green hug!
Bold Basil Pesto Flavor
Pesto isn’t just for pasta, friends. When it coats chicken and hits that hot air fryer, something magical happens. The garlic wakes up, the basil gets brighter, and the Parmesan in the pesto forms little flavor bombs that stick to every nook of the drumsticks. (Pro tip: Use a pesto with visible garlic bits—you’ll thank me later.)
Quick and Easy
From fridge to table in 25 minutes—that’s my kind of weeknight win. You’re basically tossing four ingredients together (five if you count the salt!), then letting the air fryer do its thing. I’ve made these when I’m half-asleep, when the kids are hangry, and when surprise guests show up. They never fail me.
- No messy breading stations
- One bowl for mixing
- Hands-off cooking
- Almost no cleanup
Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Basil Pesto Air Fryer Drumsticks
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavor-packed drumsticks (measurements matter – trust me on this!):
- 4 chicken drumsticks (about 1.5 lbs total – pat them very dry with paper towels first!)
- ¼ cup basil pesto (my jarred shortcut or your homemade masterpiece)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff – it helps crisp everything up)
- ½ teaspoon salt (kosher salt is my go-to)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you need to swap things around – I’ve tested all these variations:
Pesto options: Store-bought works beautifully (I grab the refrigerated kind), but homemade pesto? Oh wow. Throw in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts if you’re feeling fancy. No basil pesto? Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist!
Dietary tweaks: For dairy-free, use vegan pesto (many store brands offer this now). Watching sodium? Reduce the added salt since pesto already packs flavor. Chicken thighs work too – just add 2-3 extra minutes cooking time. If you are interested in learning more about safe internal temperatures for poultry, check out the USDA guidelines.
Pro tip: If your pesto seems thick, warm it slightly or add another teaspoon of olive oil to make coating easier. You want that green goodness to cling to every inch of chicken!
How to Make Basil Pesto Air Fryer Drumsticks
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated chicken recipes before. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have crispy, pesto-packed perfection in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! Crank it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes while you prep the chicken. Here’s my non-negotiable rule: dry drumsticks make crispy drumsticks. Grab some paper towels and pat those babies down until they’re completely dry – no moisture allowed! This helps the pesto stick better and gives you that golden crust we’re after.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Now for the fun part – the pesto bath! In a bowl (I use the same one I’ll serve in – fewer dishes!), mix together your pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss in the drumsticks and use your hands to rub that green goodness all over every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy – get under the skin if you can! The oil in the pesto will help everything crisp up beautifully. For more air fryer chicken inspiration, check out this recipe for air fryer crispy chicken wings.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange your drumsticks in the air fryer basket with some breathing room – no overcrowding! Cook for 18-20 minutes total, but here’s the secret: at the 10-minute mark, pause and flip those drumsticks. This ensures even crisping on all sides. When they’re done, the skin should be gorgeously golden and crispy, and an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps them juicy!
Tips for the Best Basil Pesto Air Fryer Drumsticks
Want restaurant-quality results every time? These little tricks make all the difference:
Space is your friend: Don’t crowd the basket! Give each drumstick about an inch of breathing room so the hot air can circulate properly. If you need to cook more, do it in batches – I promise it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Flip with confidence: When you turn those drumsticks halfway through, use tongs and be gentle. You don’t want to scrape off all that delicious pesto coating. A quick flip is all it takes!
Temperature matters: If your drumsticks are fridge-cold, let them sit out for 10 minutes before cooking. Room temp chicken cooks more evenly in the air fryer. And always check that internal temp – 165°F means juicy, safe-to-eat perfection. If you are looking for another great chicken recipe, try these air fryer crispy garlic chicken thighs.
Serving Suggestions
These pesto drumsticks deserve a supporting cast that shines just as bright! My absolute favorite pairing is a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette – the peppery greens cut through the rich pesto perfectly. For heartier meals, I’ll roast some baby potatoes right in the air fryer while the chicken cooks (just add 5 extra minutes). And don’t even get me started on how amazing they are with garlic bread to soak up all those herby juices!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, confession time – these drumsticks rarely last long enough to store in my house! But if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasty: Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up better than any microwave could manage! The pesto flavor actually deepens overnight, making these even more delicious on day two.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients (especially the pesto brand you use!). But per drumstick, you’re looking at roughly:
- 220 calories
- 14g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil and nuts)
- 22g protein (hello, muscle fuel!)
- 2g carbs (perfect if you’re watching those)
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The pesto brings healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, while the chicken packs a protein punch. Enjoy without guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully – just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. The extra fat in thighs makes them extra juicy with that pesto crust. My kids actually prefer when I mix both in the air fryer for variety! If you are looking for a different type of chicken dish, consider this air fryer chicken tikka.
My pesto keeps sliding off – help! Oh, I’ve been there! Make sure your chicken is super dry before coating, and try chilling the coated drumsticks for 10 minutes before air frying. The pesto will set up better. A little extra olive oil in the pesto helps it stick too.
Can I make these without an air fryer? You sure can! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious. Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want more color.
Try this recipe and leave a comment telling me how your family liked it – I read every one!
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25-Minute Basil Pesto Air Fryer Drumsticks – Irresistible Juicy Perfection
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 drumsticks
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy drumsticks coated in basil pesto, cooked in an air fryer for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Toss drumsticks with pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto.
- Adjust cooking time based on drumstick size.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian