Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is made with 8 chicken drumsticks, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder; air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes to serve 4. 310 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Pat drumsticks dry. Rub with olive oil and coat generously with the dry rub.
- 2
Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip and cook another 10 minutes.
- 3
Mix BBQ sauce with honey and vinegar. Brush drumsticks generously with the glaze.
- 4
Cook 3-5 more minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized and internal temp hits 185°F.
- 5
Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Tip: Apply the BBQ sauce only in the last few minutes — too early and the sugars burn black. Cooking to 185°F (not just 165°F) breaks down the collagen in drumsticks for tender, pull-apart meat.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 25 minutes vs ~45 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🍖Circulating hot air renders fat and seals in juices for a crispier outside and tender inside.
- ⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks at 380°F for 25 minutes. Apply the BBQ sauce only in the last few minutes — too early and the sugars burn black. Cooking to 185°F (not just 165°F) breaks down the collagen in drumsticks for tender, pull-apart meat.
You need: 8 chicken drumsticks, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. This recipe serves 4 with 310 calories per serving.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks takes 25 minutes total at 380°F. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 25 minutes at 380°F.
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