Jump to RecipeRate Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details.

Butterfly Drumsticks offer a unique and delicious twist on the traditional chicken drumstick recipe. The butterflying technique ensures even cooking, allowing the seasonings to penetrate deeply for maximum flavor.

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Air fried Butterfly drumsticks are a fun to eat crowd pleasing meal that cooks quickly with minimal prep. They are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside and loaded with flavor. Marinated in a cilantro lime marinade, these chicken drumsticks go well with all of your favorite side dishes for a quick and simple weeknight meal that even the kids will love. 

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s fun for all ages. Easy to eat and packed with flavor, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Juicy and Flavorful: The butterflying technique allows for even cooking, ensuring that the drumsticks are juicy and flavorful every time.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend BBQ.

Butterflied Drumsticks Ingredients

Ingredients needed for butterfly drumsticks.
  • Chicken: drumsticks are the star of this recipe but you can use your favorite chicken cut. 
  • Lime Juice: freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright flavor. 
  • Olive Oil: or use your favorite light, neutral flavored oil,
  • Cilantro: chopped adds a burst of flavor
  • Garlic: freshly minced garlic is warm and earthy.
  • Seasoning: paprika, ground cumin, salt and ground black pepper.
  • Lime wedges: to garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Chicken Drumsticks: Substitute with chicken thighs or breasts if preferred. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Marinade: Swap the suggested marinade with a tangy BBQ sauce, a spicy jerk seasoning, or a citrusy lemon and herb mix.
  • Vegetables: Add a side of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a complete meal.

How To Make Butterflied Drumsticks

How to butterfly chicken legs for even cooking.
Step1: Butterfly the drumsticks. Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a kitchen towel. With a sharp knife cut the chicken drumstick until the knife reaches the bone and open it to spread like a wing. Place the chicken in a large bowl and set it aside.
Marinade for cilantro lime butterfly drumsticks.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade. In a small bowl, whisk the ingredients to marinate the chicken; lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Chicken marinating in cilantro lime sauce before air frying.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken. Pour them over the chicken drumsticks and massage the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for 1 hour.
Butterfly drumsticks cooking in an air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air fry the chicken. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes. Spray some oil in the air fryer basket and arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer. Air fry the chicken for 18-20 minutes by flipping the chicken halfway through. May need more time depending on the size of the drumsticks.
Closeup of airfryer chicken drumsticks.
Step 5: Garnish and serve. Once done, garnish the butterfly chicken with cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to enjoy.

Tips To Make Chicken Drumsticks In the Air Fryer

  • Butterfly Correctly: Ensure you cut along the bone to open up the drumsticks properly, allowing for even cooking.
  • Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Make sure the air fryer to achieve perfect sear on the outside.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature).
  • Do not overcrowd: Arrange chicken evenly in one layer and do not overlap to ensure even cooking.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transfering it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken legs in the air fryer on 350 F until warmed through (or use the reheat option) and in the oven on 350 F until warmed through.  

Freezing: You can freeze leftover drums for 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. 

Butterfly drumsticks on a plate with a dipping sauce.

What to Serve with Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks?

Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for a colorful and healthy side. Try my recipe for Roasted Mixed Veggies.

Salad: A salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the savory drumsticks. Try my Greek White Bean Salad.

Macaroni Salad: A classic Easy Macaroni Salad makes for a filling and delicious side dish.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob with a touch of butter and seasoning is a perfect match. Try my Mexican Grilled Corn recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when chicken drumsticks are cooked?

Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. When inserted into the thickest part of the meat, and instant thermometer should reach a minimum of 165 degrees F. 

How to cook Butterfly Drumsticks on the grill?

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken on the rack and close the lid to allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I bake butterflied drumsticks instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes depending on the side of the drumsticks or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use this recipe for other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! This method works well with thighs, breasts, and even wings. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

How long should I marinate chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight.

What does it mean to butterfly chicken drumsticks?

Butterflying involves slicing the drumstick along the bone to open it up, ensuring even cooking and more surface area for seasoning.

Cilantro lime chicken legs dunked into a creamy dip.

More Air Fried Chicken Recipes

Butterflied Drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to enjoy grilled chicken. This recipe ensures juicy, flavorful drumsticks that are perfect for any occasion. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.

Air fryer butterfly chicken drumsticks on a plate with dipping sauce.
Pin Print
5 from 6 votes

Butterfly Drumsticks

By: Mariam Ezzeddine
Butterfly drumsticks are a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that cooks quickly with minimal prep. The chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients 

  • 6 large chicken drumsticks, with skin
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Lime wedges, to garnish

Instructions 

  • Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a kitchen towel. With a sharp knife cut the chicken drumstick until the knife reaches the bone and open it to spread like a wing. Place the chicken in a large bowl and set it aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the ingredients to marinate the chicken; lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour them over the chicken drumsticks and massage the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes. Spray some oil in the air fryer basket and arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer.
  • Air fry the chicken for 18-20 minutes by flipping the chicken halfway through.
  • Once done, garnish the butterfly chicken with cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to enjoy.

Notes

  • Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Make sure the air fryer to achieve perfect sear on the outside.
  • Do not overcrowd: Arrange chicken evenly in one layer and do not overlap to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 935mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Pin185
Share
Yum
5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  4. Hello – These look great! Think it’d still be good if you did them on the grill vs an air fryer?

    Reply

    1. Hello, yes you can grill them. Adjust cooking time and grill on low so they don’t cook on the inside outside and remain raw internally.

      Reply