Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Love barbecue chicken but hate the hassle of grilling? Try this simple Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe! You’ll get tender, juicy, sauce-coated chicken in no time, perfect for any meal.

Thinking of preparing barbecue chicken? Skip the grill and still enjoy delicious barbecue chicken in minutes.

Chicken is a great pick since it’s versatile and easy to season. And yes, going for an air fryer version is a smart choice because it makes cooking quicker, simpler, and way less messy.

You’ll be impressed by how juicy and perfectly glazed these drumsticks turn out. They’re also easy to pair with tons of sides.

Since the chicken is sweet, smoky, and a little tangy from the barbecue sauce, it pairs really well with sides that are fresh, creamy, buttery, or a little savory. Scroll down below for some awesome ideas!

Excited to impress everyone at your next get-together? It’s time for a little weeknight practice! Remember, this chicken creation may be a future family favorite, but nothing stops you from making it on busy nights, too.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes  

Cook Time: 24-28 minutes  

Total Time: 34-38 minutes  

Serving Size: 5 servings  

Ingredients:

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix together oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

3. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.

4. Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.

5. Let the chicken drumsticks marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

6. After marinating, place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.

7. Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 22-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Once cooked, place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and coat with BBQ sauce.

9. Place the chicken back into the air fryer on 400F for 2-3 minutes.

10. After 2-3 minutes, they are ready to be served.

What to Serve with Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Bring even more flavor to the table by adding sides that match the vibe of your juicy BBQ chicken.

• Fresh and crisp sides: Fresh salads, crunchy slaws, or even sliced veggies help balance out the rich, smoky flavors of the BBQ chicken. They add a nice lightness to the meal.
• Buttery and creamy sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or buttery corn on the cob pair really well with the bold BBQ flavors.
• Something a little sweet: Baked beans, honey cornbread, glazed carrots and other sweet sides can complement the smoky-sweet notes of the chicken. It creates a nice flavor balance without being overwhelming.
• Savory favorites: Enjoy your air fryer BBQ chicken with classic savory sides like garlic bread, roasted potatoes and herb rice. 
• Fun casual sides: For a more casual gathering, think potato wedges, fries, or even a simple pasta salad. 

Tips About Making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

• Use drumsticks of similar size: Try to pick drumsticks that are close in size so they cook evenly. If some pieces are way bigger or smaller, you might end up with some that are undercooked or a little too crispy.
• Let the chicken sit at room temperature before cooking: Take the drumsticks out of the fridge about 15–20 minutes before air frying. This helps them cook more evenly and stay juicier.
• Brush on extra sauce before serving: After the final air fryer step, brush a little more warm BBQ sauce over the chicken. It gives them that extra sticky, glossy finish that looks and tastes amazing.
• Add a touch of sweetness or spice: Want to customize the flavor? Stir a little honey or a pinch of cayenne pepper into your BBQ sauce before coating the chicken for a fun twist.

How to Store these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Fridge: Let the cooked drumsticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days.
• Freezer: If you want to save leftovers for later, you can freeze the cooked drumsticks. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer bags, and they’ll keep well for up to two months.
• Reheating: Reheat the drumsticks in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through. They’ll crisp back up nicely without drying out.

FAQs about Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Can I use a different type of oil instead of avocado oil in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with other high-heat cooking oils.

What can I do if I don’t have smoked paprika on hand?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or any other spice blend that you enjoy, such as cajun seasoning or chili powder, to add flavor to the chicken drumsticks.

Is it necessary to use both garlic powder and onion powder in the marinade?

While both garlic powder and onion powder contribute to the flavor profile of the marinade, you can adjust the seasonings based on your preference. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic powder or omit the onion powder, and vice versa.

Can I skip the step of patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels?

It’s recommended to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels before marinating them to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade adhere better to the chicken and promotes crispiness during cooking. Skipping this step may result in less crispy chicken.

No need to spend all day in the kitchen! These air fryer BBQ drumsticks come together fast with just a few simple steps.

Why not make a double batch and save some for easy lunches or dinners during the week? You can also experiment with different sauces—try spicy, honey, or smoky varieties.

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