Description
Crispy-skinned, tender chicken drumsticks with sticky BBQ glaze made effortlessly in the air fryer. These drumsticks develop perfect caramelization without deep frying, and the 2-step cooking method ensures juicy meat with restaurant-quality texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Mix all dry spices in a bowl. Rub evenly over drumsticks.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange drumsticks in single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry 15 minutes, flip, then cook 10 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Brush drumsticks with sauce. Increase temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook 3-5 minutes until glaze is sticky.
- Repeat glazing and cooking for extra caramelization if desired.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving with extra sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, pat dry and leave uncovered in fridge 1 hour before cooking
- Different air fryer models may require slight time adjustments
- Make your own BBQ sauce for sugar control
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 180mg