The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Savor the perfect blend of crispy and juicy with the best air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks. With this easy recipe, you’ll have irresistible BBQ flavor in minutes!
The ultimate hack for crispy skin and juicy chicken with bold BBQ flavor—this easy air fryer recipe will be your new weeknight dinner obsession!
Our air fryer has been a game changer for me, especially during the week. I can make so many different recipes with it in a fraction of the time it would take for me to cook them in the oven.
Not to mention, it is the perfect solution for when grilling season has past and it is way too cold to be outside cooking on the BBQ!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are a lifesaver on busy weeknights or for those game-day gatherings when you need a dish that wows without the fuss. No grill? No problem! This recipe brings smoky, caramelized BBQ flavor indoors—done in just 30 minutes. With only a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s crispy, juicy, and so easy, your family will think you’re a kitchen wizard.
Today’s recipe for delicious air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks makes the perfect main course or appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. You probably already have the ingredients and the chicken is prepped in a matter of minutes.
Air Fryer BBQ Drumsticks
We love this chicken so much that the boys usually end up eating the whole first batch while the second batch is still cooking.
Serve them with a simple garden salad and fries for an easy weeknight dinner the entire family will love. This loaded potato salad or a classic Caesar salad would make great side dishes for your chicken too.
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Supplies
- Ninja Air Fryer – This is a great all-around air fryer in my experience!
- Parchment paper – Awesome for lining the basket of the air fryer and making cleanup a breeze.
- Air fryer paper liners – These disposable air fryer liners work great too!
- Cutting board – For slicing and dicing ingredients.
- Knife – This is my go-to kitchen knife.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks – These little flavor powerhouses are juicy, tender, and perfect for eating with your hands.
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce from the grocery store or try this homemade BBQ sauce recipe. We absolutely love it!
- Avocado oil – Helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the chicken skin like a pro. Extra virgin olive oil works too.
- Onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness.
- Smoked paprika – This is your ticket to a smoky, grilled flavor without firing up the BBQ.
- Salt and black pepper – The classic duo that makes everything taste better.
- Dried oregano – A pinch of earthiness for a little extra depth.
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures maximum flavor.
3. In a bowl, coat the chicken drumsticks with the avocado oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
4. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
5. 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.
6. Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
7. Brush the drumsticks with extra BBQ sauce, coating them evenly on all sides.
8. Return the drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks. Thicker drumsticks may require additional cooking time. Adjust accordingly.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks using a meat thermometer, ensuring they reach the safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
- You can customize the flavors by using different BBQ sauce variations according to your preference, such as sweet and tangy or spicy.
- Experiment with sauces and rubs. Try adding a pinch of brown sugar or a splash of soy sauce. Use hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for some heat. Different spice blends like Cajun or Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a BBQ dry rub like this one would also be delicious.
- If you don’t yet have an air fryer, you can get similar results from this easy recipe by baking the chicken on a sheet pan in the oven. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Store any leftover drumsticks in the fridge in an airtight container.
How to Get the Best Results From Your Air Fryer
- It’s important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking.
- Make sure your food is in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this may lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed to allow for adequate circulation of hot air.
- Save on cleanup by lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Clean your air fryer! I recommend washing by hand, but check your manual.
More Tasty Air Fryer Recipes
Now that you have experienced just how simple an air fryer is to use, I have tons of other easy air fryer recipes for you.
- Air fryer broccoli
- Asparagus
- Sweet potato
- Air fryer burgers
- Traditional French fries
- BBQ chicken drumsticks
- Air fryer steak
- Steak bites
- Salmon
- Thick cut bacon
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, creating crispy textures without the need for excessive oil.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! Try chicken thighs, chicken wings, or even chicken breasts—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What sides go best with BBQ drumsticks?
Serve them with a classic Caesar salad, sweet potato fries, or a loaded potato salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftover juicy chicken legs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp up the skin again.
If you’re ready to win dinner tonight, these air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are calling your name. And have fun with it. Try using different cuts of meat. Make a breaded version. Adjust the seasonings. There are so many options to enjoy!
If you love this air fryer BBQ drumsticks recipe, please give it a five-star review and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest too!
Air Fryer BBQ Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. 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.
Nutrition
Great recipe! Enjoyed every bite
Thank you!
Excellent recipe!
Thank you!