Description
Crispy Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks offer a deliciously crispy skin and juicy interior by flattening the drumsticks to maximize surface area. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to golden perfection in either an air fryer or oven, these drumsticks are paired beautifully with a tangy, herby labneh yogurt sauce for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
- 3 Pounds Chicken Drumsticks (skin on)
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Herby Yogurt Sauce
- 1 Cup Labneh (or Greek yogurt)
- ¼ Cup Chives
- ¼ Cup Italian Parsley
- ½ Jalapeno (seeds removed)
- 1 Clove Garlic
- ½ Lemon (juice)
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Butterfly the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along one side of each chicken drumstick bone and make similar cuts on both sides so the meat opens and lays flat. This creates more surface area for crispy skin. Place all butterflied drumsticks in a large bowl and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks then sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Massage the seasonings into the chicken with your hands, ensuring even coating and flavor penetration.
- Air Fry the Chicken (Optional): Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the drumsticks skin side down in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, then flip and cook another 10–13 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Oven Roast the Chicken (Optional): Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet. Arrange chicken in a single even layer. Roast for 18–20 minutes, flip the drumsticks, then roast for an additional 17–20 minutes until the skin crisps up and the meat is cooked through.
- Make the Herby Yogurt Sauce: Combine labneh or Greek yogurt, chives, Italian parsley, jalapeño, garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt in a small food processor or blender. Blend until mostly smooth, leaving some texture. Taste and adjust salt as desired.
- Serve: Plate the hot, crispy butterflied drumsticks alongside the tangy herby yogurt sauce for dipping or spreading. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Butterflying the drumsticks increases surface area for crispier skin and faster cooking.
- If you don’t have labneh, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for the sauce.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your heat preference or omit for a milder sauce.
- Both air frying and oven roasting yield crispy results; choose based on your equipment availability.
- Make sure to flip the chicken mid-way for even cooking and optimum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
