Chicken drumsticks are our family favorite. I sometimes serve them at our parties or gathering. Lately, I only chose to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. I love how they come out juicy tender on the inside, ultra-crispy with beautifully caramelized skin. And only takes 22 minutes. I honestly think they are better than grilled.
Today I made my kid’s favorite – Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks and want to share this special recipe with you because I think it is double delicious than ordinary BBQ chicken drumsticks.
Today I made my kid’s favorite – Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks and want to share this special recipe with you because I think it is double delicious than ordinary BBQ chicken drumsticks.
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The drumsticks are seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt and pepper, and Trader Joe’s Coffe and Garlic BBQ rub. Drumsticks are then air fried to perfection, about 8 minutes per side. Then smothered with BBQ sauce and air fried for another 3 minutes per side with the sauce on, to get the perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside with beautifully caramelized skin.
Why make this recipe.
Budget-friendly. Drumsticks are relatively inexpensive and always easy to get.
All the occasions. Whether it’s a game day or a family/friends gathering, drumsticks are always welcome.
Versatile. Use your favorite spices and seasoning for lots of delicious variations.
Fast to cook. It usually takes 22-25 minutes for the juicy and crispy drumsticks.
Crispy. Everyone loves crispy skin on drumsticks.
All the occasions. Whether it’s a game day or a family/friends gathering, drumsticks are always welcome.
Versatile. Use your favorite spices and seasoning for lots of delicious variations.
Fast to cook. It usually takes 22-25 minutes for the juicy and crispy drumsticks.
Crispy. Everyone loves crispy skin on drumsticks.
Dippable. May I suggest this homemade Chipotle sauce or Copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce? Both can be whipped in under 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt and pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub with Coffee and Garlic (Directions on the tin says to coat generously, so go for it)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce. I used Trader Joe’s Organic Kansas City style BBQ sauce. Can sub for sugar-free BBQ sauce to make them keto-friendly.
Directions:
-
In a large bowl, add drumsticks. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
-
Sprinkle Trader Joe’s Coffe and Garlic BBQ rub, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ginger over drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes. Place chicken legs onto the cooking tray. Do not overcrowd, give them some space.
-
Select Air Fry mode (Air Crisp), then set the temperature to 390 degrees F / 198 degrees C.
-
Cook 16 minutes, flipping halfway. 8 minutes per side
-
Brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce and cook for another 6 minutes, flipping halfway. 3 minutes per side with BBQ sauce on.
-
When the timer beeps done, remove, let cool a little, and serve hot. Enjoy the deliciously juicy and crispy drumsticks.
Other Air Fryer Drumsticks flavors you’re going to love:
Masala Chicken legs in the air fryer.
Chicken Drumsticks with Mustard sauce.
Chicken legs with Coffee Garlic BBQ rub.
Disclosure: This recipe is not sponsored in any way or form. Neither I’m affiliated with Trader Joe’s. I only share what I love and what I cook in my own kitchen. Affiliate links are present.
Yield: 6
Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Today I made my kid's favorite - Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks and want to share this special recipe with you because I think it is double delicious than ordinary BBQ chicken drumsticks.
The drumsticks are seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt and pepper, and Trader Joe's Coffe and Garlic BBQ rub. Drumsticks are then air fried to perfection, about 8 minutes per side. Then smothered with BBQ sauce and air fried for another 3 minutes per side with the sauce on, to get the perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside with beautifully caramelized skin.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
22 minutes
Additional Time
30 minutes
Total Time
57 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt and pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub with Coffee and Garlic (Directions on the tin says to coat generously, so go for it)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce. I used Trader Joe's Organic Kansas City style BBQ sauce.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add drumsticks. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle Trader Joe's Coffe and Garlic BBQ rub, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ginger over drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes. Place chicken legs onto the cooking tray. Do not overcrowd, give them some space.
- Select Air Fry mode (Air Crisp), then set the temperature to 390 degrees F / 198 degrees C.
Cook 16 minutes, flipping halfway. 8 minutes per side
- Brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce and cook for another 6 minutes, flipping halfway. 3 minutes per side with BBQ sauce on.
- When the timer beeps done, remove, let cool a little, and serve hot. Enjoy the deliciously juicy and crispy drumsticks.
Notes
Can sub for sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
Why make this recipe.
Budget-friendly. Drumsticks are relatively inexpensive and always easy to get.
All the occasions. Whether it's a game day or a family/friends gathering, drumsticks are always welcome.
Versatile. Use your favorite spices and seasoning for lots of delicious variations.
Fast to cook. It usually takes 22-25 minutes for the juicy and crispy drumsticks.
Crispy. Everyone loves crispy skin on drumsticks.
Dippable. May I suggest this homemade Chipotle sauce or Copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce? Both can be whipped in under 5 minutes.
We had that last night and they were fantastic.