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Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks cooked in the air fryer with a tangy BBQ glaze, ready in just 22 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 medium chicken drumsticks (about 1.5 to 2 lbs / 700 to 900 g), skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the drumsticks with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping drumsticks halfway through (around 5 minutes) using tongs.
  6. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on all sides of the drumsticks after 10 minutes.
  7. Return drumsticks to the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes, watching closely after 8 minutes to prevent burning.
  8. Check for doneness; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear when pierced.
  9. Let drumsticks rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Apply BBQ sauce late in cooking to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, BBQ chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken

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