Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cooking chicken drumsticks in the air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with minimal oil. The smoky paprika and garlic powder marinade infuse the meat with flavor, while the BBQ sauce adds a sticky, sweet finish. Air frying ensures a healthier version of fried chicken without compromising on taste or texture. Plus, they cook quickly—ready in just 35 minutes!
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
If necessary, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C for about 3-5 minutes while you prep the chicken. Note that not all air fryers need to be preheated, so refer to your manual to be sure. - Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a quick marinade. - Marinate the Chicken
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss them in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavor. - Cook the Drumsticks
Arrange the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping for even cooking. Air fry at 375°F/190°C for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. - Add the BBQ Sauce
Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a large bowl and toss them with BBQ sauce until they are fully coated. - Caramelize the Sauce
Return the drumsticks to the air fryer and air fry at 400°F/200°C for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce, giving them a sticky, golden finish. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the drumsticks hot and enjoy your crispy, juicy, BBQ-infused chicken!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 5
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Drumsticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Different BBQ Sauces: Try using different BBQ sauces like honey BBQ, spicy BBQ, or a tangy mustard BBQ for different flavor profiles.
- Herb Infusion: Add some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the marinade for a more savory flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use skinless drumsticks for this recipe?
While skinless drumsticks can be used, the skin helps to achieve the crispy texture. You may want to adjust the cooking time slightly if using skinless chicken.
Can I cook these drumsticks without BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can cook them without BBQ sauce, and they’ll still be delicious with just the marinade. You could also try dipping them in sauce after cooking if preferred.
How do I know when the drumsticks are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can make a larger batch, but you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Can I make these drumsticks without the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the drumsticks in a regular oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add the BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
You can cook frozen drumsticks in the air fryer. Just add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and ensure they are fully cooked before adding the BBQ sauce.
Can I substitute the avocado oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like olive oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Can I make these drumsticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the drumsticks in advance and refrigerate them after marinating. When ready to cook, follow the directions and add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Can I make this recipe with chicken wings?
Yes, you can use chicken wings instead of drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time to 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What side dishes go well with these drumsticks?
These drumsticks pair perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture with less oil, and the BBQ sauce adds the perfect amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these drumsticks are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor from a smoky marinade and tangy BBQ sauce. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.
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
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 3-5 minutes while you prep the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a quick marinade.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Arrange the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F/190°C for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the drumsticks to a bowl and toss them with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- Return the drumsticks to the air fryer and air fry at 400°F/200°C for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
- Serve the drumsticks hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.
- Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce variety for different flavor profiles.
- For a healthier alternative, try air-frying the drumsticks instead of deep-frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
