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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with crispy skin and rich honey garlic glaze served fresh from the air fryer.
Tarek Rakhiess

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks That Actually Crisps

Crispy-skinned air fryer chicken drumsticks coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze for juicy, flavorful chicken without deep frying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 8 bone-in skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder not baking soda
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs or silicone brush

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  6. During the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, brush the honey garlic glaze generously over the drumsticks.
  7. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) (175–185°F for juicier dark meat).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

 

  • Baking powder creates crispier skin—do not substitute baking soda.
  • If marinating the chicken beforehand, prepare a separate batch of glaze for brushing after cooking. Never use marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken as a finishing sauce.
  • Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer before serving.
Note for> Calories: 290 kcal per glazed drumstick