BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks With Crispy Edges

These air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are juicy inside, with caramelized sauce and crispy, slightly charred edges. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C), cook the seasoned drumsticks for 18 minutes, then brush them with BBQ sauce and cook for another 4–6 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through and again after adding the sauce for even browning.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks, about 2 pounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup thick BBQ sauce, plus more for serving

A thick BBQ sauce works best because it clings to the drumsticks instead of running through the air fryer basket. Use smoky, sweet, spicy, or honey BBQ sauce to suit your taste.

How To Make It

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels; removing surface moisture helps the skin become crisp.
2. Place the chicken in a bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until every drumstick is evenly coated.
3. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Flip the drumsticks and cook for another 8 minutes.
5. Brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Air fry for 2–3 minutes, flip, brush the other side with sauce, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. The sauce should look sticky and caramelized around the edges.
6. Check that the thickest part of each drumstick reaches at least 165°F (74°C), without the thermometer touching the bone. Rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Add the sauce near the end. BBQ sauce contains sugar and can burn if applied at the beginning.
• Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary so hot air can circulate around the chicken.
• Adjust for size. Large drumsticks may need 2–4 additional minutes. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Build crispier edges. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the sauce does not scorch.
• Reheat leftovers easily. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for about 4–6 minutes, until hot throughout.

Serve these crispy-edged BBQ drumsticks with coleslaw, corn, potato wedges, or a simple green salad for an easy weeknight meal.