Looking for a recipe that transports you straight to the Caribbean, even if just for a moment? These air fryer jerk chicken drumsticks are the perfect way to experience the vibrant flavours of the islands right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a lazy afternoon in the garden, this dish will whisk you away to the sun, sea, and sand in no time. The best part? It’s as quick and simple as it is full of flavour, so you can truly embody the spirit of the Caribbean with minimal effort.
To make these jerk chicken drumsticks as tasty as possible, the key is in the marinade. You can marinate the chicken the night before to allow the rich and aromatic flavours to really soak in, ensuring that every bite bursts with the essence of the islands. The jerk marinade combines fiery red chilies, pungent garlic, and fragrant ginger, creating a perfect balance of heat, spice, and sweetness that will instantly transport you to the bustling markets and warm nights of the Caribbean.
Once the chicken is marinated, the air fryer takes care of the rest. The convenience of the air fryer means you can spend less time fussing over the stove and more time relaxing, all while getting crispy, perfectly cooked drumsticks that are infused with the bold, smoky flavours of the jerk sauce. The air fryer allows the chicken to cook evenly, and its skin crisps up wonderfully, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
This dish is an easy and flavourful way to add a taste of the tropics to your week.
So you can find this recipe on page 124 of The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 20-25 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer jerk chicken
8 chicken drumsticks
For the jerk sauce:
3 small red chillies, roughly chopped
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
4 spring onions, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoons of vegetable oil
juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon of ground allspice
1 teaspoon of runny honey
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
These air fryer jerk chicken drumsticks are packed with bold, smoky, spicy flavours and are surprisingly simple to prepare. So to start, you’ll need to make the jerk marinade. Add all of your jerk sauce ingredients – such as spring onions, garlic, fresh thyme, Scotch bonnet chilli, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, and your spices – into a blender or smoothie maker. Blend everything until it forms a thick, smooth paste. If the mixture is struggling to come together, just add a splash more oil to help loosen it to a blendable consistency.
Lay your chicken drumsticks out in a single layer in the bottom of a lidded container. Pour the freshly blended jerk marinade over the drumsticks and use your hands or tongs to coat each one thoroughly. Make sure the sauce gets into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor. Once coated, cover the container with a lid and refrigerate. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight, but even a few hours will make a big difference.
When you’re ready to cook, arrange the marinated drumsticks in the base of your air fryer in a single layer. Depending on the size of your fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set your air fryer to 180°C and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. They’re done when the meat is tender and the juices run clear.
So I like to serve mine hot straight from the air fryer. But these air fryer jerk chicken drumsticks are wonderful to serve alongside salads and slaws (check out my air fried air fried veg slaw as a great accompaniment). Or with rice and peas for a true taste of the Caribbean sunshine.
Tips for Air Fryer Jerk Chicken
1. Marinate well in advance
For maximum flavour, marinate your chicken drumsticks in jerk seasoning for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the spices and heat to penetrate the meat deeply.
2. Use a good-quality jerk marinade or make your own
Whether using store-bought or homemade, ensure your marinade has the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Fresh ingredients like garlic, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers make a big difference.
3. Pat dry before cooking
Before air frying, lightly pat the drumsticks dry to remove excess marinade moisture. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for a few minutes before cooking. This helps lock in moisture and gives the skin a great crispy texture.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Arrange drumsticks in a single layer with space between each piece to allow hot air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
6. Flip halfway through cooking
Turn the drumsticks halfway through (around 10 minutes) to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
7. Check internal temperature
Chicken drumsticks should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to be safely cooked and juicy.
8. Add a glaze or extra sauce at the end
If you like extra sticky heat, brush a bit more jerk sauce on the drumsticks in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
9. Let them rest before serving
Rest the drumsticks for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Serve with traditional sides
Pair with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh mango salsa for a complete Caribbean feast.
Similar recipes
If you love this easy air fryer jerk chicken, then you may like my air fryer Nando’s chicken, the air fryer tandoori chicken bites or the air fryer chicken kebabs recipe.
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