Air Fryer Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Crispy blistered skin coated in caramelized sweet barbecue sauce in 20 minutes.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 20 mins @ 380°F (193°C) (Flip at 10m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Pat 6 drumsticks dry. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Air fry at 380°F for 17 minutes, flipping at the 10-minute mark.
Brush generously with sweet BBQ sauce on all sides.
Air fry 3 additional minutes at 400°F until sauce bubbles and caramelizes.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Pat 6 chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
The dry rub seasons the meat underneath the sauce and draws out skin moisture.
Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
Cooking at 380°F renders the thick subcutaneous fat in drumstick skin so it gets crispy.
Flip drumsticks using tongs and cook for 7 more minutes until internal temperature hits 175°F.
Chicken legs are dark meat and taste most tender between 175°F and 185°F.
Brush drumsticks generously on all sides with 1/3 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Bump air fryer to 400°F and cook for 3 final minutes.
Applying sauce only in the final 3 minutes caramelizes the sugars without burning.
Drumsticks are frequently on sale for under $1.50/lb. This is the ultimate $6 family protein dinner.
Keep 2 drumsticks plain without sauce if your kids prefer dry seasoning.
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
- Crispy coleslaw
Reheat in air fryer at 360°F for 4 minutes to restore sticky crust.