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Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks - featured image
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A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, sticky BBQ chicken drumsticks with a perfect sweet-smoky flavor, ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to make the dry rub.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken and toss again until every piece is well covered.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly.
  8. Brush a thin layer of BBQ sauce on each drumstick.
  9. Return the drumsticks to the air fryer and cook for another 8 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  10. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a kitchen thermometer or ensure juices run clear when pierced.
  11. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking. Apply BBQ sauce halfway and optionally again after cooking for thicker glaze. Use a thermometer to ensure doneness. Let rest before serving. For oven alternative, bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway and applying sauce similarly.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, BBQ chicken, chicken drumsticks, quick dinner, crispy chicken, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/crispy-air-fryer-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-25-minute-dinner/