Dinner

Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¼ teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 3 cloves garlic, grated; 1 ½ pound chicken drumsticks (skin on or skinless); Cooking spray (for air fryer); ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream); ½ bunch cilantro (plus more leaves for garnish); 2 tablespoons lime juice (more to taste); 1 clove garlic, smashed (or more to taste); ½ jalapeno, seeded for less heat; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

ByJake Silas October 25, 2025October 25, 2025

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Introduction

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Peru with these crispy, flavorful air fryer Peruvian-style chicken drumsticks. Paired with a tangy and spicy aji verde sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with light green creamy sauce with small dark green specks, a black spoon inside it; below and around the bowl, several grilled chicken drumsticks with a charred, crispy textured brown and orange skin, each topped with dollops of the green sauce and garnished with bright green cilantro leaves. Among the drumsticks, there is a squeezed half of a lime showing its greenish-yellow interior. The food rests on white parchment paper inside a round white container, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ¼ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
3 cloves garlic (grated)
1 ½ pound chicken drumsticks (skin on or skinless)
Cooking spray (for air fryer)
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
½ bunch cilantro (plus more leaves for garnish)
2 tablespoons lime juice (more to taste)
1 clove garlic (smashed or more to taste)
½ jalapeno (seeded for less heat)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, kosher salt, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and grated garlic to make the chicken seasoning.
Step 3: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then add them to the bowl with the seasoning. Massage the mixture into the chicken to coat evenly.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray just before adding the chicken. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket.
Step 5: Cook the drumsticks for 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the skin is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to 380°F (193°C) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: While the chicken cooks, prepare the aji verde sauce. Combine the Greek yogurt or sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, smashed garlic, jalapeno, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth.
Step 7: For a thicker sauce, blend the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt first, then stir in the yogurt or sour cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 8: Drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. This dish pairs well with salad, cauliflower rice, regular rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning.
If you prefer less heat, remove all the seeds from the jalapeno before adding to the sauce.
Substitute half the olive oil with avocado oil for a milder flavor.
Use skin-on drumsticks for juicier meat and a crispier crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be reheated.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with light green creamy sauce with tiny green flecks, placed among a pile of grilled chicken drumsticks that have a charred, crispy skin with brown and black spots. Each drumstick is topped with dollops of the same green sauce, and fresh cilantro leaves are scattered around and on top of the chicken. There is a sliced lime half with its inside facing up, showing a juicy, slightly squished texture. The food rests on white parchment paper with a white marbled textured surface underneath. A black spoon is partly inside the white bowl of sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?

It’s best to thaw chicken drumsticks completely before air frying to ensure even cooking and proper crisping of the skin.

Can I make the aji verde sauce without a blender?

Yes, you can finely chop the cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno, then mix thoroughly with lime juice, salt, and yogurt or sour cream. The texture will be chunkier but still delicious.