Olivia Carter
If you’re looking to make a delicious and hassle-free meal, then look no further than BBQ chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil and produces crispy and flavorful results. With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your trusty air fryer, you can whip up a batch of mouthwatering BBQ chicken drumsticks in no time.
To start, you’ll need some chicken drumsticks – the star of the show! Make sure they are fully thawed if using frozen ones. Then, prepare a marinade of your choice using ingredients like BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of spice. The marinade will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors and keep it moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
Next, place the drumsticks in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly and give it a good shake, making sure each drumstick is coated evenly. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Now it’s time to fire up your air fryer! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, remove the drumsticks from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can affect the cooking time and crispiness. You may need to cook the drumsticks in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Preparation for BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Before you start cooking delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, there are a few important steps to take in order to ensure the best results:
1. Gather the Ingredients
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the BBQ chicken drumsticks. You will need:
| – Chicken drumsticks |
| – BBQ sauce |
| – Olive oil |
| – Salt |
| – Black pepper |
| – Garlic powder |
| – Paprika |
2. Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
Thoroughly wash the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl.
3. Season the Chicken Drumsticks
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the chicken drumsticks and toss them until they are well coated.
4. Marinate the Chicken Drumsticks
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the seasoning.
Once the chicken drumsticks have marinated, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the appropriate cooking instructions for your specific air fryer model to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks.
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a fork
- Basting brush
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and equipment, you’ll be ready to start preparing the BBQ chicken drumsticks in the air fryer.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken drumsticks | 8 |
| BBQ sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Make sure to double-check that you have all the ingredients and equipment listed above before proceeding. Preparation is key when it comes to cooking, and having everything ready will make the process much smoother.
Clean and Season Chicken Drumsticks
Before cooking chicken drumsticks, it is important to clean and season them properly. Follow these steps to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness:
- Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks under cold water to remove any excess blood or debris.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine your preferred seasonings. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other desired spices.
- Using clean hands, rub the seasoning mixture onto each drumstick, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks on a plate or tray and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Now that your drumsticks are clean and seasoned, you are ready to proceed with cooking them in the air fryer. Make sure to preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions before starting the cooking process.
Cooking the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks
Before cooking the BBQ chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, you need to prepare them properly. Start by rinsing the drumsticks with cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken.
Next, season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly to enhance the flavors. You can also marinate the drumsticks in BBQ sauce overnight for a more intense flavor.
Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken drumsticks cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
Step 3: Cooking the Drumsticks
Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the drumsticks for better air circulation and crispy results.
Close the air fryer and set the timer for 20 minutes. Cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes, then flip them over using kitchen tongs or a spatula. This will help the chicken cook evenly on all sides.
After flipping, cook the drumsticks for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Step 4: Glazing the Drumsticks
If you prefer glazed BBQ chicken drumsticks, you can brush them with additional BBQ sauce during the cooking process. Brush the sauce on the drumsticks during the last few minutes of cooking and allow it to caramelize for a flavorful and sticky glaze.
Step 5: Serving the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Once the chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and create a moist and tender texture.
Serve the BBQ chicken drumsticks hot with your favorite side dish, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. These crispy and flavorful drumsticks are perfect for a family barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking the BBQ chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, allowing the chicken to cook evenly and efficiently.
Here’s how to preheat your air fryer:
- Plug in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Set the timer for 5 minutes and press the start button.
- While the air fryer is preheating, you can take this time to season the chicken drumsticks with your preferred BBQ seasoning or marinade.
- Once the preheating cycle is complete, carefully open the air fryer basket and place the seasoned chicken drumsticks inside in a single layer. Be cautious when handling the hot air fryer.
Now that your air fryer is preheated, you’re ready to cook the BBQ chicken drumsticks to perfection!
Cook the Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer
Now that you have marinated the chicken drumsticks, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps for delicious, crispy drumsticks:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken gets cooked evenly and develops a nice crispy skin.
Step 2: Arrange the Drumsticks
Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each drumstick for proper air circulation.
Step 3: Air Fry the Drumsticks
Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your drumsticks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
To check if the drumsticks are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. If it reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is done. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes until the desired temperature is reached.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the drumsticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and a side of fries or cornbread. Enjoy your homemade, crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook BBQ chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
It usually takes about 20-25 minutes to cook BBQ chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.
What temperature should I set my air fryer for cooking chicken drumsticks?
You should set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for cooking chicken drumsticks.
