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BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks freshly cooked in an air fryer with caramelized BBQ sauce and perfectly crispy texture
Tarek Rakhiess

BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Done Right

Crispy-skinned chicken drumsticks seasoned with a smoky dry rub, air fried until juicy, and finished with a sticky barbecue glaze.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 bone-in skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • basting brush

Method
 

  1. Follow the step-by-step guide above to season and air fry the chicken drumsticks.
  2. Brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.
  3. Continue air frying until the sauce is caramelized and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove from the air fryer and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add the barbecue sauce only during the final few minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.
  • Rest the chicken before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
  • For extra crispy skin, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in a single layer.
  • Calories: Approximately 260 kcal per drumstick (with barbecue sauce)