Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step because removing surface moisture ensures the skin gets crispy rather than steaming. Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. In a small ramekin, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and toss thoroughly until every inch of the meat is evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap too much to allow for proper airflow. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then use tongs to flip each piece over. Cook for another 10 to 12 minutes. At this stage, the chicken should be golden brown and the internal temperature should be nearing 165°F (74°C).
- Open the air fryer and use a silicone brush to generously coat each drumstick with your preferred BBQ sauce. Once coated, cook the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This short burst of heat caramelizes the sugars in the sauce, creating that signature sticky, tacky BBQ glaze that everyone loves. Remove the chicken from the basket and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes