🍗🔥 Air Fryer Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a glossy, sweet-smoky barbecue sauce glaze—crispy outside, sticky and flavorful inside.
🧾 Ingredients:
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Sticky BBQ sauce:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Season the chicken
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry
- Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder
2. Air fry first (for crispiness)
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F)
- Cook drumsticks for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway
3. Make sticky BBQ glaze
- Mix barbecue sauce with honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar
- Warm slightly for better coating
4. Glaze & finish
- Brush drumsticks generously with sauce
- Air fry again for 3–5 minutes until sticky and caramelized
🍽️ Result:
Crispy-skinned chicken drumsticks coated in a shiny, sweet-savory barbecue sauce glaze that clings to every bite.
🔥 Pro Tips:
- Dry chicken well for maximum crispiness
- Don’t add sauce too early or it may burn
- Double-glaze for extra stickiness
🧠 Serving Ideas:
- With coleslaw and fries
- With mashed potatoes or corn
- As game-day or party food
If you want, I can also make a spicy honey BBQ version, a Korean-style sticky glaze, or a low-sugar keto BBQ drumstick recipe.