Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a fantastic dish for any occasion. They are easy to prepare, juicy, and packed with flavor. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, giving it a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and moist. You can enjoy these drumsticks for dinner, parties, or backyard gatherings. Plus, with BBQ sauce, they are always a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients :
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray

Directions :
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the chicken drumsticks in the BBQ mixture until fully coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired and serve.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are perfect as a main dish. Serve them with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. You can also set out extra BBQ sauce for dipping. They are great for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.
How to Store Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the drumsticks. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Tips to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the BBQ sauce mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- For extra crunch, you can lightly coat the drumsticks in flour before adding the BBQ sauce.
Variation
You can try different flavors of BBQ sauce or add your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist. Buffalo sauce or honey mustard can be great alternatives to create variety in taste.
FAQs
Can I use other parts of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts, but cooking times may vary. Always check for the right internal temperature.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating helps cook the chicken evenly and gives it that crispy texture.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Easy and flavorful chicken drumsticks cooked to perfection in the air fryer, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss the chicken drumsticks in the BBQ mixture until fully coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired and serve.
Notes
For extra crunch, you can lightly coat the drumsticks in flour before adding the BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
