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Crispy air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks on a white plate, glazed with BBQ sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – Crispy, Juicy & Easy

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sticky BBQ glaze — all made in 25 minutes! A healthy, high-protein family dinner full of smoky flavor without the grill.
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Ingredients
  

  • - 6 chicken drumsticks about 1 ½ lbs
  • - 1 tbsp olive oil
  • - 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • - 1 tsp garlic powder
  • - ½ tsp onion powder
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - ½ cup BBQ sauce natural or homemade
  • - Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes

Instructions
 

  • - Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  • - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
  • - Toss drumsticks with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • - Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • - Brush generously with BBQ sauce and cook 5 more minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the glaze caramelizes and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • - Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

- For extra smoky flavor, mix a little liquid smoke or chipotle powder into your BBQ sauce.
- Always preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
- Brush with extra BBQ sauce before serving if you like them saucy.
- Serve with roasted veggies, air fryer potatoes, or coleslaw for a complete meal.