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.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- 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.6 chicken drumsticks
- In a bowl, coat the chicken drumsticks with the avocado oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.2 tablespoons avocado oil, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon 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.½ cup barbecue sauce
- Return the drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
Notes
- 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.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool Before Storing: Let the drumsticks cool to room temperature before you store them to prevent condensation in the container.
- Airtight in the Fridge: Use an airtight container to store the drumsticks in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Properly: When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat the drumsticks in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about 4-5 minutes to get the skin crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the skin rubbery.
- Freeze: Store BBQ chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating in the air fryer as above.
Nutrition
Calories: 306kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 778mgPotassium: 352mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 381IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
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