Succulent chicken drumsticks coated in a tangy-sweet barbecue glaze and crisped to perfection in the air fryer—ready in about half an hour and without firing up the grill. This recipe delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with far less mess and oil than traditional frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick week-night entrée – 25 minutes of cook time and minimal prep. everydayfamilycooking.com
Healthier than deep-frying – hot circulating air renders fat and produces a crackling skin with just a tablespoon of oil.
Year-round BBQ vibes – no need to wait for good weather or fuss with charcoal.
Family-friendly – the spice level is easily adjusted by omitting or adding cayenne.
Easy clean-up – the air-fryer basket and tongs are all you’ll wash.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken drumsticks (about 2 lb / 900 g, 6–8 pieces)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
½ cup (120 ml) thick barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F / 200 °C for 3 minutes (follow your manufacturer’s instructions).
Season – Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add the chicken; toss until thoroughly coated.
First cook – Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the basket. Air-fry 17–20 minutes, turning once halfway. everydayfamilycooking.comfamilyfoodonthetable.com
Glaze – Brush all sides generously with barbecue sauce.
Finish – Return to the air fryer and cook 3–5 minutes more, until the sauce caramelises and the thickest part of the meat registers 165 °F / 74 °C. everydayfamilycooking.com
Rest & serve – Let the chicken stand 3 minutes, then serve with extra sauce.

Servings and Timing

Yield	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
4 servings (2 drumsticks each)	5 min	20–25 min	30 min

Variations

Sugar-free BBQ – Use a no-sugar-added sauce and replace brown-sugar-style sweeteners with erythritol.
Herb & lemon – Swap paprika for dried oregano and thyme; finish with lemon zest.
Spicy Korean-style – Glaze with a mix of gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
Boneless thighs – Cook 18–22 minutes, flipping once; they stay extra-juicy. eatwithcarmen.com

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled drumsticks for 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Air-fryer 350 °F / 175 °C for 5–6 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is faster but softens the skin.

FAQs

What temperature should the chicken reach for food safety?

165 °F / 74 °C measured at the thickest point.

Can I stack the drumsticks?

No. Crowding restricts air flow and prevents even browning; cook in batches if needed.

Do I need to marinate first?

A long marinade is optional; the quick spice-oil rub adds enough flavor for most palates.

Is preheating necessary?

Yes, it jump-starts crisping and helps achieve an even cook time.

Which barbecue sauce works best?

Choose a thick, tomato-based sauce; thinner vinegar styles may run off during cooking.

How do I prevent smoking?

Trim excess skin, wipe rendered grease from the drawer between batches, and avoid sugary sauces until the last 5 minutes.

Can I use frozen drumsticks?

Thaw completely for best texture; otherwise add 5–7 minutes to the first cook and check the internal temperature carefully.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

Pierce near the bone—juices should run clear, not pink. Still, an inexpensive probe thermometer is strongly advised.

How spicy is the listed seasoning?

Very mild; the pinch of cayenne adds warmth. Omit for children or double for heat-lovers.

Is parchment liner safe in the air fryer?

Yes, as long as it is perforated and weighed down by the food to prevent contact with the heating element.

Conclusion

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks offer smoky-sweet satisfaction with a fraction of the effort of outdoor grilling. A simple spice rub, a brief stint in the air fryer, and a final barbecue glaze yield irresistibly crisp skin and juicy meat every time. Keep this versatile technique in your repertoire for quick week-night dinners, casual get-togethers, or game-day spreads—all year round.