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To make crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks, gather these ingredients: - 2 lbs chicken drumsticks - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a tasty and satisfying dish. Each seasoning in this recipe plays an important role: - Garlic powder adds a strong flavor that enhances the chicken. - Onion powder gives a sweet touch that balances the spices. - Smoked paprika brings a rich, smoky flavor, making the dish unique. - Chili powder adds a mild heat that wakes up your taste buds. - Salt is key for bringing out the flavors in all the ingredients. - Black pepper adds a slight kick and depth to the mix. These seasonings work together to make the chicken drumsticks flavorful and exciting. Choosing the right BBQ sauce can elevate your drumsticks. Here are some good options: - Sweet and smoky sauce enhances the juicy chicken with a rich flavor. - Spicy BBQ sauce gives the drumsticks a bold kick that many love. - Honey BBQ sauce offers a sweet glaze that caramelizes nicely in the air fryer. - Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the flavors and sweetness. Experiment with different sauces to find the one that suits your taste best! To make the best crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks, start by removing moisture. Pat each drumstick dry with paper towels. This step is key. Less moisture means crispier skin. If you skip this, your drumsticks may be soggy. Next, it’s time to season your drumsticks. In a large bowl, drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over them. This oil helps the spices stick. Now, add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the drumsticks well. Make sure every piece gets coated. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This step is important for even cooking. Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the basket. They should not touch. Cook them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). When done, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce in the last five minutes. This gives a sticky, tasty glaze. Let the drumsticks rest for five minutes after cooking. This helps keep them juicy. To get that perfect crispy skin on your drumsticks, start by drying them well using paper towels. Removing moisture helps the skin crisp up. Next, coat the chicken with olive oil. This step not only adds flavor but also helps with browning. Use a mix of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the drumsticks well until they are evenly coated with the spices. For extra crispiness, make sure the drumsticks are in a single layer in the air fryer. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. When drumsticks touch, they steam instead of crisping. Always cook in batches if needed. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating allows for even cooking and a better texture. Avoid skipping the last step of glazing with BBQ sauce. This final touch adds flavor and helps create a sticky, delicious coating. Lastly, do not forget to flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking. This ensures that both sides get equally crispy. Follow some simple best practices for great results. Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps reach the right temperature quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Finally, consider serving your drumsticks with sides like coleslaw or cornbread. This makes for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy! {{image_2}} You can switch up the seasoning for your drumsticks. Try using a mix of cumin, paprika, and oregano. This blend adds a warm and earthy flavor. Another option is a lemon-pepper mix. It gives a bright and zesty taste to the chicken. If you want a kick, use cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. Each blend brings a new twist to the dish. BBQ sauce is key to great flavor. You can use a classic tomato-based sauce for a sweet taste. For something spicy, look for a sauce with jalapeños or chipotle. A vinegar-based sauce gives a tangy kick that pairs well with crispy skin. If you love fruity flavors, try apricot or peach BBQ sauce. Each sauce offers a unique experience with your drumsticks. You can use other cuts of chicken too. Thighs and wings are great options. They can cook just as well in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time slightly. Drumsticks take about 25-30 minutes. Thighs may need 30-35 minutes, while wings can be done in about 20-25 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to ensure safety. After enjoying your crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Place the drumsticks in the fridge if you plan to eat them within three days. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing the container. To reheat your drumsticks, use the air fryer for the best results. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks in the basket and heat for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F. Just lay them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. If you want to save drumsticks for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each drumstick tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you do not have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when you pierce the meat. The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Yes, you can marinate the drumsticks for more flavor. Use your favorite marinade. A mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs works well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This makes the chicken juicy and tasty. BBQ chicken drumsticks go great with many sides. You can serve them with coleslaw for crunch. Cornbread is a sweet choice that pairs nicely. Grilled veggies or a fresh salad also work well. You can even add baked beans for a hearty meal. In this post, we explored the best ways to cook delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks. We covered important ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfect crispiness. You learned about seasoning blends, sauce options, and how to avoid common mistakes. Proper storage and reheating were also discussed to keep your leftovers tasty. By following these steps, you can enjoy flavorful drumsticks that everyone loves. Have fun experimenting with variations to make each meal unique! Your air fryer can turn simple drumsticks into a crowd-pleaser every time.

Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer

Get ready to enjoy Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks that are bursting with flavor! This easy recipe features perfectly seasoned drumsticks cooked to golden crispiness in the air fryer. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for dinners or parties, this recipe will impress your friends and family. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs chicken drumsticks

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.

    Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.

      Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking.

        Air Fry the Drumsticks: Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

          Cook: Air fry the drumsticks at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.

            Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Using a brush, coat the drumsticks with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze. Return to the air fryer and cook for the remaining time.

              Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy drumsticks on a serving platter, drizzle with additional BBQ sauce, and sprinkle chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal!