Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 10 drumsticks
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken with a smoky marinade and a sticky BBQ sauce finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe uses the air fryer to create a deliciously caramelized crust with less oil and fuss.

Ingredients

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 10 chicken drumsticks

Marinade

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

Finishing

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: If your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3–5 minutes while you prepare the chicken. Check your device manual to confirm if preheating is necessary.
  2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken drumsticks.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Coat the chicken: Pour the marinade over the drumsticks and toss them until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
  5. Marinate: Let the drumsticks sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
  6. Arrange in air fryer: Place the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping, ensuring even cooking and crisping.
  7. Air fry the chicken: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and doneness.
  8. Coat with BBQ sauce: Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a large bowl and toss them thoroughly in ½ cup of BBQ sauce until well coated.
  9. Caramelize the 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 achieve a sticky, flavorful finish.
  10. Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and serve hot. Enjoy this deliciously crispy and saucy BBQ chicken!

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before marinating helps achieve a crispier skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
  • Flipping the drumsticks halfway ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
  • Adjust the BBQ sauce amount to taste or use your favorite brand for different flavor profiles.
  • Resting the drumsticks for a few minutes after cooking can improve juiciness.

Find it online: https://cookedbylina.com/air-fryer-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/