How to Make Perfect BBQ Chicken...

If you love BBQ chicken but want a quicker and less messy way to make it, you’ve got to try these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Seriously, the air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to getting crispy, juicy drumsticks without firing up the grill or heating the oven. Plus, they cook up so fast, it’s like magic! You get that smoky BBQ flavor and golden-brown crispness with just a fraction of the time and effort.

I’m always looking for recipes that are both easy and packed with flavor, and this one ticks all the boxes. The air fryer does all the hard work for you, turning simple chicken drumsticks into a crispy, tender masterpiece. Toss them in a simple marinade of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then let them soak up all that goodness for just a bit. It’s all about building layers of flavor, and these drumsticks do not disappoint.

After a quick toss in BBQ sauce, a few more minutes in the air fryer caramelizes it to perfection. These BBQ chicken drumsticks come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and completely irresistible. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks – Start with 10 drumsticks, the perfect cut for getting that crispy, juicy chicken.

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil – Toss in 2 tablespoons of avocado oil to coat the chicken and help everything crisp up nicely.

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika – Smoked paprika brings in that deep, smoky flavor we all love in BBQ chicken.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Add a teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory punch of flavor.

• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Onion powder gives the chicken a subtle sweetness and depth.

• 1 teaspoon salt – Season with a teaspoon of salt to enhance all those flavors.

• ½ teaspoon pepper – Half a teaspoon of pepper adds just the right amount of kick.

• ½ cup BBQ sauce – Finish with half a cup of BBQ sauce to coat the drumsticks in that rich, tangy goodness.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, combine the oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.

3. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then place them in a large bowl.

4. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks and toss until they’re fully coated.

5. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak up all the flavor.

6. Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping.

7. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

8. Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a large bowl and toss them with BBQ sauce until well coated.

9. Return the wings to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for another 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

10. Once done, they’re ready to serve!

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• With a Side of Crispy Fries – There’s something about BBQ chicken and crispy fries that just goes together perfectly. Whether you make them in the air fryer or bake them in the oven, it’s a combo that never disappoints!

• On a Salad – For a lighter option, throw a few drumsticks on top of a fresh green salad. The smoky chicken pairs so well with a tangy vinaigrette, and you get that delicious mix of textures.

• With Corn on the Cob – BBQ chicken and corn on the cob are a classic match! Slather some butter on the corn and enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors together. You can even sprinkle a little chili powder or cheese for an extra kick.

• In a Wrap – Shred the chicken and wrap it up in a soft tortilla with some coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce for a quick and tasty meal. It’s like a BBQ chicken taco, but with a little extra twist!

• With Roasted Veggies – Pair your drumsticks with roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The sweetness of the veggies balances out the smoky flavor of the chicken.

Serving & Storing

• Serving – These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or game day. Serve them with your favorite sides like coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a big bowl of potato salad for a full meal that everyone will love.

• Leftovers – If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make an awesome meal prep option for later in the week.

• Reheating – To keep that crispy texture, reheat the drumsticks in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F. This will warm them up while maintaining that perfect crunch on the outside.

• Freezing – Want to make a big batch for future meals? Freeze the cooked drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Just reheat straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQs

• Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?
  Absolutely! Chicken wings work just as well in the air fryer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they might cook a bit faster than drumsticks.

• Can I make these without BBQ sauce?
  Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, you can skip the BBQ sauce and season the drumsticks with your favorite dry rub or glaze for a unique twist.

• How do I get the skin extra crispy?
  To get an even crispier skin, make sure to pat the drumsticks dry before marinating them, and don’t overcrowd them in the air fryer basket. Give them a little extra time to cook, and they’ll be golden and crunchy!

• Can I marinate the drumsticks overnight?
  Definitely! Marinating them overnight will help the flavors really soak into the chicken. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

• Can I cook these drumsticks in the oven?
  Yep! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them at 400°F for about 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they’re cooked through and crispy!