Description
This Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Drumsticks recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken infused with a blend of smoky paprika, cumin, oregano, and garlic, cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Paired with a vibrant and creamy Peruvian Aji Verde sauce made from Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat and freshness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, it’s served best with a side of salad, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Drumsticks
- 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)
Aji Verde Sauce
- 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
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes to ensure it is ready for cooking.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, kosher salt, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and grated garlic. Stir well to create the seasoning mixture.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then add them to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Massage the seasonings into the chicken thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 17-20 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking with tongs to ensure even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If the skin is browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 380 degrees F and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare Aji Verde Sauce: In a mason jar, combine the Greek yogurt or sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, and kosher salt. Use an immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender to pulse until the sauce is smooth. For a thicker sauce, blend the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt first, then stir in the yogurt or sour cream by hand until desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve: Drizzle the Peruvian Aji Verde sauce over the cooked chicken drumsticks. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve additional sauce on the side for dipping. This dish pairs wonderfully with salad, cauliflower rice, regular rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For milder heat, remove seeds from the jalapeno before blending the Aji Verde sauce.
- Chicken skin can be left on or removed based on preference; skin-on will yield a crispier texture.
- Ensure drumsticks are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- The sauce can be adjusted in consistency by blending ingredients separately as described.
- Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, thicker sauce or sour cream for a creamier texture.
- Feel free to use other fresh herbs like parsley if cilantro is not preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Keywords: Peruvian chicken, air fryer chicken drumsticks, Aji Verde sauce, spicy chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe
