You are going to fall in love with these air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks. Tender, sticky, and juicy, these saucy chicken legs are made in a few quick steps for the perfect weeknight meal. Ready in less than 40 minutes!

Deliciously seasoned chicken drumsticks air fried to perfection and then brushed with your favorite bbq sauce before being air fried again, these air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks are going to be your new favorite dinner. They’re so flavorful and will have you licking the plate clean.

A platter of air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks with lemon slices between. A bowl of bbq, a plate of corn, and salt and pepper shakers on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks only take a few minutes to prep! The hardest part about preparing these chicken drumsticks is measuring the seasoning, but after a while, you can simply eyeball the amounts!
I love how juicy the chicken comes out from the air fryer. Each bite is so tender and juicy!
You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen ready to go!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks.

chicken drumsticks — chicken drumsticks are located in the lower part of the chicken leg! Chicken leg quarters and drumsticks are not to same, and their cooking times will differ.
oil — I use olive oil, but you can use any neutral oil of your choice.
seasoning — I season the chicken drumsticks with a combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
bbq sauce — use your favorite! I used Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce just like for my grilled bbq chicken thighs.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Set of two photos showing seasoned chicken in a bowl and then in an air fryer basket.

To a bowl, add the chicken thighs, oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well.
Transfer the drumsticks to an air fryer basket, placing them in a single layer.

Set of two photos showing bbq sauce brushed onto chicken drumsticks then air fried again.

Air fry the chicken at 400F for 16 minutes.
Brush the bbq sauce onto the chicken drumsticks, flip them over, and brush the other side with bbq sauce as well.
Air fry for another 6 minutes.
When done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

A plate with two air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks with corn, lemon slices, and a dollop of bbq sauce.

Recipe Tips and Notes

You cannot add the bbq sauce to the chicken ahead of time as the sugar in the sauce will burn in the air fryer.
You can add a bit of brown sugar to the seasoning for a sweeter flavor.
If there is moisture on the chicken thighs, pat them dry before you add oil and season them. This will help the oil coat the chicken better, and the seasoning stick better.
The internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, air fry for another minute or two.

My Recommendation

This is my go-to meat thermometer for making sure that the internal temperature of my meat is good to go. It’s also magnetic so I have it on my fridge door to save drawer space!

Get it Now!

Serving Suggestions

Overhead view of air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket.

Make Ahead Tips

Meal prep: once cooled, store the bbq chicken drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: allow the air fryer chicken drumsticks to cool before transferring them into an airtight container before storing them in the freezer. They can last for up to 3 months.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 22

Total Time: 32

Servings: servings

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon oil
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
⅓ cup bbq sauce

Equipment

5.8QT Air Fryer

Instructions

To a bowl, add the chicken thighs, oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well.
Transfer the drumsticks to an air fryer basket, placing them in a single layer.
Air fry the chicken at 400F for 16 minutes.
Brush the bbq sauce onto the chicken drumsticks, flip them over, and brush the other side with bbq sauce as well. Air fry for another 6 minutes.
When done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

Nutrition Per Serving

Author: Carmy

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Disclaimer

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