Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes | Easy Weeknight Dinner

Nothing beats the comfort of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes for a hearty weeknight dinner. Crispy, golden-brown chicken paired with perfectly roasted potatoes is a meal the whole family will love. This recipe uses simple ingredients, bold flavors, and can be prepared entirely in the air fryer, making it a healthier and faster alternative to traditional oven roasting.

The combination of garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs transforms ordinary chicken drumsticks into a restaurant-quality dish. The crispy skin locks in moisture while the potatoes absorb the savory garlic butter, creating a balanced and flavorful plate. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual dinner parties, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• Chicken & Potatoes
  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This ensures the skin crisps up nicely.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
3. Coat the Chicken: Rub the garlic parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks. Ensure every drumstick is well coated for maximum flavor.
4. Prepare the Potatoes: In a separate bowl, toss potato wedges with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and the remaining parmesan cheese.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures a crispy exterior on the chicken and potatoes.
6. Cook Chicken and Potatoes: Place chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Add potato wedges alongside, if your air fryer has space; otherwise, cook separately. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from air fryer, sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a crispy, flavorful meal.

Tips & Tricks

• Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before coating—it’s the secret to crispy drumsticks.
• Even potato sizing ensures uniform cooking. Cut potatoes into similar wedges for even roasting.
• Optional spice twist: Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a hint of heat.
• Air fryer variations: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 35–40 minutes. Flip halfway.
• Meal prep: Cook drumsticks and potatoes ahead of time, store in airtight containers, and reheat in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes for crispy results.

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy layer.
• Herb-Infused: Mix rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the garlic parmesan coating for a fragrant, herb-forward flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini wedges to reduce carbs without losing texture.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Chicken drumsticks have long been a staple in American comfort food, often featured in family dinners and casual gatherings. Roasting chicken with potatoes is a classic combination, tracing back to European peasant meals where inexpensive cuts of meat and root vegetables were cooked together for flavor and sustenance. Today, this dish has evolved with modern kitchen gadgets like the air fryer, giving it a crispier texture with less oil. Garlic and parmesan are Italian-inspired flavors that elevate simple ingredients to gourmet levels, making this recipe perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining guests.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the garlic parmesan coating.
• Leftovers can be shredded into wraps or salads for a quick lunch option.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes

Crispy garlic parmesan chicken drumsticks paired with perfectly roasted potatoes, cooked in the air fryer for an easy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Potatoes

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 4 medium potatoes cut into wedges
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan cheese.
3. Rub the garlic parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks.
4. Toss potato wedges with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and remaining parmesan cheese.
5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Place chicken and potatoes in air fryer basket and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F and potatoes are golden.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired, serve hot.

Notes

Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or chili flakes for heat. Leftovers can be used in wraps or salads.