Chicken drumsticks and legs cooking times
How long to cook chicken drumsticks: 35–45 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 20–25 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 30–40 min on the barbecue and 20–25 min under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook chicken drumsticks
Times are for 8 drumsticks or 4 whole legs, for 4.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Turn halfway. Whole legs take 40–50 minutes. |
| Air fryer | 20–25 min | 200°C (400°F) | Turn halfway. Whole legs take 25–30 minutes at 190°C. |
| Barbecue | 30–40 min | over medium heat, lid down | Turn every 5 minutes; mostly over indirect heat so they don’t burn. |
| Grill | 20–25 min | under a medium grill | Turn every 5 minutes. |
| Deep-fry Fried chicken | 12–15 min | oil at 160°C (325°F) | Floured or battered; the oil is cooler so the middle cooks. |
| Slow cooker | 4–6 hours | on low | In a sauce. 3–4 hours on high. |
| Pressure cooker | 12–15 min | on high pressure | With 250 ml liquid; natural release. |
Also see: Chicken cooking time (whole chicken and chicken pieces).
Before you start
Slash the meat a couple of times to the bone so heat (and marinade) gets in.
How to tell it’s done
Juices run clear and the meat comes away from the bone.
Food safety: Cook until it reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part, with no pink meat and clear juices.
Questions
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in the oven?
35–45 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Turn halfway. Whole legs take 40–50 minutes.
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
20–25 min at 200°C (400°F). Turn halfway. Whole legs take 25–30 minutes at 190°C.
How long to barbecue chicken drumsticks?
30–40 min over medium heat, lid down. Turn every 5 minutes; mostly over indirect heat so they don’t burn.
How long to grill chicken drumsticks?
20–25 min under a medium grill. Turn every 5 minutes.
How long to deep-fry chicken drumsticks?
Fried chicken: 12–15 min in oil at 160°C (325°F). Floured or battered; the oil is cooler so the middle cooks.
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker?
4–6 hours on low. In a sauce. 3–4 hours on high.
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in a pressure cooker?
12–15 min on high pressure. With 250 ml liquid; natural release.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.