Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (Easy & Healthy)

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe transforms ordinary chicken drumsticks into a mouthwatering feast with the magic of an air fryer and some BBQ sauce. Perfect for game days or busy weeknights, these drumsticks are juicy on the inside with a deliciously crispy outside.

Why you will love making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Making BBQ chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is one of my favorite quick meals—they’re ready in under 30 minutes with no long marinating or hovering over a grill. They come out crispy with less oil, and I can switch up the BBQ sauce to suit my mood, whether I’m craving sweet and tangy or spicy and smoky. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day, and even the picky eaters in my house love them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Getting these BBQ chicken drumsticks right is so simple, and the air fryer is about to become your best friend in the kitchen. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat & Pat

Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because it helps the seasoning stick better. 

Season Perfectly

In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with avocado oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano until they’re evenly coated. This blend of spices will give your drumsticks a savory, slightly smoky, irresistible flavor.

Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate freely so that each drumstick cooks thoroughly and gets that coveted crispy skin.

Cook

Cook the drumsticks at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes. Halfway through, flip them to make sure they’re getting crispy on all sides. The key to perfection is an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), so don’t guess—use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Sauce and Caramelize

Once they’re cooked, brush the drumsticks with your favorite barbecue sauce, making sure they’re coated evenly. 

Pop them back in the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes. This last step caramelizes the sauce, locking in that sweet and sticky goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the drumsticks cool slightly before serving. This patience (as hard as it might be) allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite as succulent as possible.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Making the perfect Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks might seem straightforward, but here are some insider tips to elevate your game:

• Don’t Skip Preheating: Like prepping your grill, preheating your air fryer ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that delicious crispy skin.
• Dry Those Drumsticks: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is a small step with big rewards. It helps the spices stick better and leads to a crisper finish.
• Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with the spices and BBQ sauce to match your taste preferences. Adding a bit of brown sugar or honey to your spice mix or sauce can introduce a delightful hint of sweetness.
• Check the Temperature: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for ensuring the chicken is cooked safely without drying it out.
• Let It Rest: Giving your chicken a brief rest before serving isn’t just for steaks; it helps keep these drumsticks juicy and delicious.
• Sauce at the End: Applying BBQ sauce only at the final stage prevents it from burning and ensures a perfectly caramelized finish.
• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs will work great with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs might be thicker than drumsticks.
• Make Ahead: You can season and even precook the drumsticks earlier in the day. Just apply the BBQ sauce and give them a final crisp in the air fryer before serving.
• Keto and Low-Carb Options: There are many keto-friendly BBQ sauces available in stores, or you can make your own by using sugar substitutes and keeping an eye on the carb content.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Here’s how to keep those BBQ chicken drumsticks tasting just as good later on. Let them cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation in the container, which can make the skin soggy. Once cooled, place the drumsticks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, the air fryer is your best bet—set it to 350°F (177°C) and cook for about 4–5 minutes to get the skin crispy again. Try to avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the skin rubbery.

If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating in the air fryer.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Who says you can’t enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank? Here are our top three tips for making these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks on a budget:

1. Save The Bones: After eating, save your chicken bones for making homemade chicken stock later. Simply pop them in a freezer bag and keep adding to the bag whenever you have leftover chicken bones until you have enough to make a batch. Homemade chicken stock is so much healthier and cheaper than store-bought!
2. Make Your Own BBQ Sauce: While store-bought BBQ sauces are convenient, making your own can save pennies and allow you to customize the flavor. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
3. Use Generic Spices: Brand names are nice, but when it comes to spices, the generic or store brands often offer the same quality at a fraction of the price. This way, you can splurge on quality chicken instead.

What to Serve with Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Here are some ideas that pair wonderfully with the savory, smoky flavors of the chicken:

Classic Potato Salad

Nothing says BBQ season quite like a creamy, tangy potato salad. Its cool and refreshing taste balances the smoky richness of the chicken, making it a crowd favorite at any gathering.

Crunchy Coleslaw

For a lighter option, a crunchy coleslaw adds a fresh and tangy element to your plate. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Take advantage of your grill or oven while the air fryer is busy with the chicken. Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with a little butter and sprinkled with salt, is a sweet and smoky treat that pairs with the BBQ flavors perfectly.

Baked Beans

A classic side that’s hearty and full of flavor, baked beans bring a comforting sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smokiness of the chicken. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, either from scratch or warmed up from a can.

More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love

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• Air Fryer Whole Chicken
• Air Fryer Homemade Fries
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Chicken Casserole