These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and glazed in sticky-sweet barbecue sauce. The best part? You only need 1 bowl, 30 minutes, and basic pantry seasonings to pull this off—even if you’ve never cooked chicken in the air fryer before.
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Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks – I use about 6 medium drumsticks. Patting them dry helps the seasoning stick and makes the skin crispier.
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, spicy—whatever you like. I usually go for a no-sugar-added version to keep things lighter.
- Avocado oil – A high-smoke-point oil that helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning. Olive oil works too.
- Onion powder – Adds a subtle, savory depth.
- Smoked paprika – Gives that irresistible BBQ flavor without needing a grill.
- Salt – Don’t skip it! It enhances everything else.
- Black pepper – Just a touch for balance.
- Oregano – Adds a nice herbal note that works well with the BBQ sauce.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Season: In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with avocado oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Arrange in basket: Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each one.
- Cook: Air fry for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy.
- Add BBQ sauce: Remove the chicken, brush with BBQ sauce on all sides.
- Finish: Return to the air fryer for 2 more minutes to let the sauce caramelize.
- Rest and serve: Let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Tips
- Preheat the air fryer – Always! It helps with even cooking and crispier skin.
- Dry the drumsticks well – This is key to getting that golden, crispy texture.
- Flip halfway – This ensures both sides get nice and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer – Check for an internal temp of 165°F to keep the chicken juicy and safe.
- Caramelize the BBQ sauce – A final 2-minute blast in the air fryer helps the sauce stick and sizzle.
- Try different sauces – Honey BBQ, spicy chipotle, or even Korean gochujang sauces are all amazing.
- Add heat – Sprinkle cayenne or chili powder into the seasoning mix for a spicy version.
- Marinate first – If you have time, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce or a simple brine for extra flavor.
- Double the batch – You may need to cook in batches, but these are great for meal prep or a crowd.
- Go boneless – You can also use this method with boneless chicken thighs or wings—just adjust the cook time!
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze. Freeze cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Make Ahead. You can season and marinate the drumsticks up to 24 hours ahead. Just cook when ready.
- To Reheat. Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or until warmed through and the skin re-crisps.
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, crispy, and coated in sticky barbecue sauce—ready in just 30 minutes with simple seasonings!
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INGREDIENTS
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.6 chicken drumsticks
- Season: In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon oregano
- Arrange in basket: Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each one.
- Cook: Air fry for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy.
- Add BBQ sauce: Remove the chicken, brush with BBQ sauce on all sides.½ cup barbecue sauce
- Finish: Return to the air fryer for 2 more minutes to let the sauce caramelize.
- Rest and serve: Let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
- If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 20gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 782mgPotassium: 352mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 381IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
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Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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