Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over top. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they're evenly coated in oil and spices.
Place the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet with enough space around each so they're not touching. You can line the baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup, if desired.
Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175ºF, flipping the drumsticks once half-way through.*** Serve hot.
*Use bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks for maximum flavor and juiciness. I used 6 drumsticks (about 1.75 lbs total). If you’re using more or less drumsticks, be sure to adjust the seasoning amounts accordingly. Smaller drumsticks may be ready before 40 minutes, so start checking them around 35 minutes. Extra-large pieces may need a few additional minutes. Use the internal temperature as your final guide. You can also swap in bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs using the same method as in this recipe.**You can use any high-heat cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil.***Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but I prefer cooking dark meat to about 175°F for a more tender result. If the drumsticks vary in size, check the temperature of more than one piece.Air fryer method: To cook the drumsticks in an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F and arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 12 minutes, flip, then cook for about 10 minutes more, or until the thickest piece reaches 175°F. Smaller drumsticks may cook faster, so begin checking them at around 18 minutes. See ourair fryer chicken drumsticks for the full recipe. Seasoning notes: When substituting another seasoning blend, check whether it already contains salt and reduce or omit the added ½ teaspoon of salt as needed. Sugary sauces like barbecue or teriyaki can burn at high temperatures, so brush them over the drumsticks during the final 10-15 minutes of baking, if desired!