These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect combination of crispy, smoky, and saucy goodness. Seasoned with smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of spice, then finished with a caramelized barbecue glaze, these drumsticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you’re craving bold BBQ flavors without firing up the grill.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy and quick, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The air fryer ensures the drumsticks are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Plus, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste, whether you prefer sweet and tangy or a bit of spice, making it a versatile dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients you will need
- Juicy Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are the centerpiece, offering tender, flavorful meat that soaks up all the smoky BBQ goodness.
- Bold Spice Blend: A mix of onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano creates a savory, smoky rub that enhances the drumsticks beautifully.
- Tangy BBQ Glaze: Barbecue sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, caramelizing to perfection in the air fryer.
- Crisp-Boosting Oil: Avocado oil ensures a crispy, golden exterior while preventing sticking.
Variations to Try
- Spicy BBQ Drumsticks: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for extra heat.
- Herby Twist: Swap oregano for thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Honey BBQ: Mix honey into the barbecue sauce for a sweet, sticky glaze.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Drumsticks
- Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the drumsticks dry ensures the seasoning sticks and the skin crisps up properly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your drumsticks. Thicker pieces may need more time to cook through, so keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.
- Customize the Sauce: Experiment with spicy, smoky, or sweet barbecue sauces to suit your taste.
Perfect Pairings for BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Complete your meal with flavorful sides that pair beautifully with these drumsticks. Try Grilled Rosemary Potatoes or Air-Fried Shishito Peppers for a fresh and crispy bite, or go classic with Grilled Vegetables. These combinations will take your BBQ spread to the next level, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
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.
- 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.
