Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a smoky spice blend and a sticky BBQ glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they’re crispy on the outside and deliciously saucy inside.

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm for 3–5 minutes while you prepare the chicken. Check your air fryer manual to confirm if preheating is needed.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
3. Step 3: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
4. Step 4: Pour the marinade over the drumsticks and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
5. Step 5: Let the drumsticks sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Step 6: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through so they brown evenly and cook through.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a large bowl and toss them with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
9. Step 9: Return the sauced drumsticks to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and develop a sticky finish.
10. Step 10: Serve the drumsticks hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade if you like some heat.
• You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or another neutral oil if preferred.
• Try brushing the drumsticks with honey or maple syrup along with the BBQ sauce for a sweet glaze.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the drumsticks crisp up nicely.

Storage

Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in the oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen drumsticks for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper browning in the air fryer. Cooking frozen drumsticks may result in undercooked centers or uneven texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these drumsticks in a regular oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, then brush with BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 475 reviews

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and packed with smoky, garlicky flavors, then finished with a sticky BBQ sauce caramelized to perfection. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or game day snack using the air fryer for healthier, fuss-free cooking.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings (1 drumstick each) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Drumsticks

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Finishing Sauce

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat for 3–5 minutes while you prepare the chicken. Check your air fryer manual as some models do not need preheating.
2. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the drumsticks.
3. Prepare Chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry using paper towels to ensure crispiness and place them in a large bowl for seasoning.
4. Coat Drumsticks: Pour the marinade over the drumsticks and toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
5. Marinate: Let the coated chicken sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the marinade flavors fully.
6. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap to guarantee even cooking and crispiness.
7. Initial Air Frying: Cook the drumsticks at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to brown both sides evenly and ensure they are cooked through.
8. Add BBQ Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and toss with the BBQ sauce until all drumsticks are thoroughly coated.
9. Caramelize BBQ Sauce: Return the coated drumsticks to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and create a sticky, delicious finish.
10. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot for a flavorful and crispy BBQ chicken drumstick experience.

Notes

• For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
• You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil if preferred.
• Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size of your drumsticks and air fryer model.
• Use your favorite BBQ sauce variety, whether sweet, spicy, or smoky, to customize flavor.
• Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

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