Craving BBQ chicken without the hassle of grilling? These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect solution—juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor with a crispy exterior. Ideal for a quick family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this easy recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why you will love this recipe?
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy and quick, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The air fryer ensures the drumsticks are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Plus, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste, whether you prefer sweet and tangy or a bit of spice, making it a versatile dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients you will need:
Chicken drumsticks are the star, providing juicy, tender meat that absorbs all the delicious BBQ flavors.
Onion powder, Smoked paprika, Salt, Black pepper, and Oregano: This spice blend creates a savory, smoky, earthy rub that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
Barbecue sauce and Avocado oil: The barbecue sauce adds classic tangy sweetness, while avocado oil helps achieve a crispy exterior without sticking.
How to store?
Let your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
For longer storage, freeze the drumsticks for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen drumsticks in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your drumsticks. Thicker pieces may need more time to cook through, so keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking. This step helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauce variations. You can easily tailor the flavors if you prefer sweet, tangy, or spicy.
Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings. Add more or less smoked paprika, salt, or other spices to suit your preferences.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing they’re safely cooked and juicy.
Serving Suggestions: These air-fried BBQ chicken drumsticks are versatile. They make a delicious main course for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I ensure the drumsticks cook evenly in the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking. Also, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing air to circulate properly around each piece
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Carla Dela Cruz
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a game changer for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy and smoky exterior, they're bursting with flavor and ready in no time. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious, homemade BBQ fix without the fuss!
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
In a bowl, coat the chicken drumsticks with the avocado oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and oregano.
Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
Brush the drumsticks with the barbecue sauce, coating them evenly on all sides.
Return the drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
Notes
Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the drumsticks, so adjust accordingly and always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
You can customize the flavor to your liking with different barbecue sauces and seasonings, making it as sweet, tangy, or spicy as you prefer.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks reach the safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve them as a delicious main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Keyword air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks, air fryer chicken drumsticks
