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Getting a tasty dinner on the table after a long day can feel like an uphill battle. Between work deadlines, after-school activities, and the general chaos of weeknight routines, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen trying to figure out what to cook.
That’s where this air fryer zaatar chicken comes to the rescue: it’s quick and flavorful, requires minimal prep work, and brings a wonderful Middle Eastern twist to your everyday chicken dinner. Plus, the air fryer does most of the work, giving you time to tackle other evening tasks while dinner practically makes itself.
Why You’ll Love This Za’atar Chicken
- 3-ingredient simplicity – With just chicken, za’atar, and oil, this recipe proves that amazing flavor doesn’t require a long shopping list.
- Crispy skin – The air fryer creates perfectly crispy chicken skin while keeping the meat juicy inside – something that’s harder to achieve in a regular oven.
- Hands-off cooking – Once you season the chicken and pop it in the air fryer, you can focus on other things while it cooks to perfection.
- Budget-friendly – Drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, making this a wallet-friendly dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.
- Diet-friendly – This recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and fits into most healthy eating plans.
What Kind of Chicken Drumsticks Should I Use?
Regular supermarket drumsticks will work perfectly fine for this recipe, but if you can find air-chilled chicken, it tends to have better flavor and texture. Fresh drumsticks are ideal, but frozen ones will work too – just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning. When shopping, look for drumsticks that are roughly the same size so they’ll cook evenly, and check that the skin is intact since it helps keep the meat juicy during cooking. If you’re watching your budget, drumsticks are one of the most economical cuts of chicken, but they still deliver great flavor and that satisfying dark meat tenderness.
Options for Substitutions
This simple air fryer recipe can be adapted with a few easy swaps:
- Chicken drumsticks: While drumsticks are great for this recipe, you can use chicken thighs, wings, or even chicken breast (just adjust cooking time – breast will cook faster, about 12-15 minutes, while bone-in pieces take longer).
- Za’atar seasoning: If you can’t find za’atar, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, and 1 teaspoon sumac. If you don’t have sumac, add a squeeze of lemon zest for that tangy flavor.
- Olive oil spray: Any cooking oil works here – avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. If you don’t have spray oil, just brush the chicken lightly with your chosen oil using a pastry brush.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest mistake when making air fryer za’atar chicken is overcrowding the basket, which prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking – arrange your drumsticks in a single layer with space between each piece. Another common error is not patting the chicken dry before seasoning, which can make the za’atar coating slide right off and prevent that desirable crispy skin from forming. To get the most flavor, don’t skimp on the za’atar coating – make sure to really massage it into the skin, and give the drumsticks a light spray of oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning. For perfectly cooked chicken, remember to flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part near the bone.
What to Serve With Za’atar Chicken?
This Middle Eastern-inspired chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy rice pilaf or warm pita bread to soak up all those tasty spices. For a complete meal, I love adding a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil on the side – it’s so refreshing with the seasoned chicken! You can also serve it alongside some creamy hummus or baba ganoush for dipping, and if you’re feeling fancy, toss in some tabbouleh salad too. A dollop of plain yogurt on the side adds a nice cooling element that balances out the za’atar seasoning really well.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your za’atar chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. The za’atar seasoning actually helps the chicken maintain its flavor really well!
Freeze: These drumsticks are great for freezing! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. I like to freeze them in portions, so I can just grab what I need for a quick dinner later.
Reheat: To bring back that crispy exterior, pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through. You can also use your regular oven, though it might take a few minutes longer. Just avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that nice crispy coating!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-45 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 900-1100
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-5 g
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (one pack generally contains 6)
- Za’atar seasoning mix
- Olive oil spray or any preferred cooking oil
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
Begin by spraying or coating your chicken drumsticks with oil spray or a light coating of oil.
If you prefer, trim the skin off the drumsticks for a leaner meal.
This step is optional and based on personal preference.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously shake Trader Joe’s Za’atar seasoning blend onto the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated for robust flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the seasoned drumsticks in an air fryer.
Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 40-45 minutes.
Make sure to turn the drumsticks over after 20 minutes to promote even cooking.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
While 45 minutes usually yields perfect results, it’s important to check the drumsticks at around the 30-35 minute mark to see if they are done, especially if you’re using a basket air fryer as it may cook them faster.
Cooking times can vary based on the size of your drumsticks and the specific air fryer model used.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked to your liking, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously seasoned, crispy, and juicy chicken drumsticks!