Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen chicken drumsticks in a Ninja Foodi or other multi-cooker pressure cooker. The Ninja Foodi and similar models make it easy to cook frozen meats like drumsticks quickly and conveniently.
How to Cook Frozen Drumsticks in a Ninja Foodi
Cooking frozen drumsticks in the Ninja Foodi is very straightforward. Here are the basic steps:
- Take the drumsticks directly from the freezer and place them in the Ninja Foodi pot.
- Add 1/2 cup of liquid to the pot. Water or chicken broth both work well. The liquid will help the drumsticks cook evenly and become tender.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to seal the cooker.
- Select the Pressure Cook or Poultry setting and set the cook time. For frozen drumsticks, cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to natural release for 10-15 minutes after cooking. Then do a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid. The drumsticks are ready to eat!
It really is that easy. The Ninja Foodi will bring the pot up to pressure very quickly, and the high heat steam cooks the frozen drumsticks in a fraction of the time it would take using a conventional oven.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Drumsticks
Here are some handy tips to ensure perfect results when cooking frozen drumsticks in your Ninja Foodi:
- Use similar sized drumsticks if possible so they cook evenly.
- Add seasoning like salt, pepper, Italian seasoning before pressure cooking.
- Browning the drumsticks after pressure cooking improves flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F internally.
- Letting them rest 5-10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.
- Thickening the sauce after cooking makes a nice gravy.
- Finish off under the broiler for crispy skin.
Ninja Foodi Drumstick Recipe Ideas
Drumsticks cooked in the Ninja Foodi are extremely versatile. Here are some delicious recipe ideas to inspire you:
Balsamic Drumsticks
Toss drumsticks with balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary before pressure cooking. The balsamic vinegar becomes thick and syrupy, coating the drumsticks in a rich glaze.
Buffalo Drumsticks
Coat pressure cooked drumsticks with buffalo style hot sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a take on buffalo wings.
Jerk Drumsticks
Rub frozen drumsticks with a spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning blend before cooking. Grill after cooking for charred jerk flavor.
Honey Sriracha Drumsticks
Toss drumsticks in a mixture of honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The sauce clings nicely to the chicken.
BBQ Drumsticks
Cook plain drumsticks in the Ninja Foodi, then coat with your favorite bbq sauce. Finish under the broiler or on the grill for crispy edges.
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Drumsticks in a Ninja Foodi
Using the Ninja Foodi to cook frozen drumsticks has many benefits compared to thawing and oven roasting drumsticks. Here are some of the best reasons to use a multi-cooker.
- Fast cooking time – Drumsticks take only 15-20 minutes at pressure compared to over an hour in the oven.
- Tender and juicy – The pressurized environment prevents drying out.
- More flavor infusion – Seasonings penetrate deep into the meat.
- Easy cleanup – With only one pot to wash, cleanup is simple.
- Versatile – Make a wide variety of drumstick dishes in one appliance.
- Convenience – Start with frozen chicken directly from the freezer.
The quick cook time and convenience of being able to start with frozen drumsticks makes the Ninja Foodi an excellent tool for cooking this chicken cut.
Tips for Freezing and Thawing Drumsticks
Properly freezing and thawing chicken ensures safety and quality. Follow these guidelines when working with frozen drumsticks:
- Freeze raw drumsticks in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Remove as much air from freezer bags as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Store frozen drumsticks at 0°F or below.
- Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3-6 months is ideal).
- Thaw frozen drumsticks overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
- Avoid thawing at room temperature as this allows bacterial growth.
- Cook thawed chicken within 1-2 days.
- Frozen drumsticks can also be cooked directly from frozen state.
Always handle raw chicken safely by keeping it away from ready-to-eat foods during thawing and cooking. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific Ninja Foodi model.
Time Chart for Cooking Frozen Drumsticks
Use this handy chart as a guide for cooking frozen drumsticks based on the size and amount being cooked.
| Drumstick Size | Number of Drumsticks | Cooking Time from Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| Small (4-6 oz) | 1-4 drumsticks | 8-10 minutes |
| Medium (8-12 oz) | 4-8 drumsticks | 12-15 minutes |
| Large (Over 12 oz) | 8-12 drumsticks | 18-22 minutes |
Always check internal temperature of the largest drumstick using a meat thermometer after cooking to ensure they have reached a safe 165°F internally. Adjust cooking time as needed to reach this safe final temperature.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen chicken drumsticks in a Ninja Foodi or similar multi-cooker is a fast, convenient, and flavorful way to cook this popular chicken cut. The high-pressure environment cooks the frozen meat in a fraction of the time needed for oven roasting, resulting in tender and juicy drumsticks in 15-20 minutes. The Ninja Foodi’s versatility also allows you to give the drumsticks different flavor profiles. Follow proper freezing and food safety guidelines, and the Ninja Foodi will deliver perfect drumsticks any night of the week using the convenient shortcut of starting from frozen.