Are you ready to whip up something delicious? These air-fried Peruvian chicken drumsticks are not only crispy and flavorful,but they also come with a zesty green crema that will have your taste buds dancing! I’ll guide you thru every easy step,so let’s get cooking and impress our friends at dinner!

Cook Time: 15

Prep Time: 15

Yields: 6

Calories: 271

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Air-Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

Let’s gather the ingredients for our air-fried Peruvian chicken drumsticks! This dish is bursting with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering meal:

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

6 chicken drumsticks (about 4 ounces each) – These will be the star of the show!
1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps the spices stick and adds a nice richness.
2 cloves garlic, grated – Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor.
1 tablespoon honey – For a touch of sweetness that balances the spices.
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all those great flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cumin – This gives our chicken an earthy, warm flavor.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a splendid smoky note.
½ teaspoon dried oregano – For that lovely herbal touch.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Just a bit of heat to round things out.

For the Green Crema:

1 cup baby spinach leaves – fresh and vibrant, it boosts the color and nutrients.
¾ cup sour cream – Creamy base for our dipping sauce.
¼ cup cilantro leaves – For a radiant, herby flavor.
½ jalapeño pepper, seeded – For those who like a little heat; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – This adds a zing that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 clove garlic, smashed – More flavor to enhance our crema.
¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – To season the sauce.

These ingredients are simple but pack a punch! You can easily find them at your local grocery store. Now that we have everything, let’s move on to cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for making Air-Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to cook! Making air-fried Peruvian chicken drumsticks is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through each step:

Prep the Air Fryer: Start by brushing the air fryer basket with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This step really makes a difference in achieving that nice golden crisp on the drumsticks.

Mix the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl,combine honey,olive oil,grated garlic,salt,ground cumin,smoked paprika,oregano,and black pepper. Mix everything until it forms a smooth paste.

Coat the Drumsticks: Toss the chicken drumsticks in the marinade until they’re well-coated. Make sure each piece is covered with all that delicious flavor.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket. I like to arrange them vertically against the basket wall for even cooking. This little trick helps them get that crispy texture all around.

Cook to Perfection: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the drumsticks for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). halfway through,use tongs to rearrange the drumsticks for even browning.

Prepare the crema Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whip up your green crema. In a food processor, combine baby spinach, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, smashed garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked perfectly, drizzle some of the green crema over the top and serve the remaining sauce on the side. These drumsticks are fantastic with the crema, adding a refreshing touch!

that’s it! You’re now ready to savor these delicious air-fried Peruvian chicken drumsticks with creamy dipping sauce. Enjoy your meal!

air fried peruvian chicken drumsticks with green crema

Serving and Storage Details for Air-Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

Once your air-fried peruvian chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! This dish serves about six people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.I like to serve these drumsticks alongside a vibrant green crema for dipping, wich adds a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions:

Sides: Pair them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some fluffy rice to round out the meal.
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or lime wedges on the side can brighten up your presentation.
Dipping Sauce: The green crema works beautifully, but if you want to mix it up, try serving with a tangy coconut yogurt or a store-bought tzatziki sauce.

Storage Tips:

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigeration: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the drumsticks for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to regain that crispy texture. you can also use a microwave, but the skin won’t be as crunchy.

These chicken drumsticks are perfect for meal prep or as a delicious topping for salads and wraps. Enjoy every last bite!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Air-Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

Cooking can sometimes be a bit tricky, so here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips for making your air-fried peruvian chicken drumsticks turn out just right.

Recipe Notes:

Marination Time: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge. This gives the spices extra time to penetrate the meat.
cooking Space: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you have more drumsticks, cook them in batches to allow for even cooking and crisping.
Temperature Check: For best results, use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the drumstick.

Troubleshooting:

Not Crispy Enough? If your drumsticks don’t seem crispy, try giving them a light spray of cooking oil before cooking, or increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Air fryers can vary, so adjustments might be necessary.
Too Spicy? If you find the heat from the jalapeño in the green crema too intense,simply add more sour cream to balance it out.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment! Swap out spices or add your favorites like cayenne pepper for more heat or parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

With these tips, you’re set up for a prosperous cooking experience.Enjoy your journey to delicious air-fried Peruvian chicken drumsticks!