Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Craving juicy, crispy chicken with a smoky BBQ twist? Try these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs – quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs are the perfect combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and smoky BBQ flavor!

With the air fryer’s magic, you can achieve that perfect golden-brown crisp without the hassle of grilling or deep frying. The barbecue sauce adds a tangy kick, while the air fryer ensures even cooking, making this a quick and easy dinner for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, these chicken legs will quickly become a favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Skin: Achieve crispy, golden skin without deep frying.
• Quick and Easy: Air fryer cooks chicken legs in minutes.
• Perfectly Tender Meat: Juicy chicken with every bite.
• No Grill Required: BBQ flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
• Minimal Cleanup: Less mess than traditional grilling or frying.
• Versatile: Great for any occasion or meal prep.

If you love easy Air Fryer Recipes, try my recipe for  Air Fryer Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash, Little Potatoes In The Air Fryer, or  Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken drumsticks: Tender, juicy chicken perfect for air frying.
• Avocado oil: Light oil for crispy, golden skin.
• Smoked paprika: Adds smoky flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic powder: Savory depth to enhance the taste.
• Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and extra flavor boost.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick to the dish.
• BBQ sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce for coating.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Step Two: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step Three: Once marinated, arrange the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry the drumsticks at 375 degrees F (190°C) at a cook time of 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step Four: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl and toss with BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. After 2-3 minutes, your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks are ready to serve!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe Tips

• Pat the chicken dry: Before marinating, make sure to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy skin.
• Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and browning, flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time.
• Marinate for flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.
• Use a thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Crisp up with high heat: After applying BBQ sauce, air fry at a higher temperature (400°F) for a few minutes to help the sauce caramelize and create a nice glaze.
• Adjust cooking time for size: If your chicken drumsticks are larger or smaller than usual, adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
• Coat evenly: When adding the BBQ sauce, toss the chicken in a bowl to ensure even coverage for maximum flavor.

Storing

• Storing: After the chicken has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to separate the chicken from any extra BBQ sauce to keep the skin crispy.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the cooked chicken drumsticks cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but the skin may not remain as crispy.

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Legs Air Fryer Recipe

BBQ chicken legs made in the air fryer pair perfectly with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Serve them alongside classic side dishes like crispy roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or cornbread for a hearty, comforting dish. Grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, potato salad, or some creamy mashed potatoes also make excellent accompaniments.

For a lighter touch, consider serving with steamed broccoli or a tangy cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the BBQ sauce. These sides will not only complement the savory flavors of the chicken but also create a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 

Can I use a different type of oil for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with other oils like olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

How do I know when the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked? The chicken drumsticks are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check using a meat thermometer to be sure.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce? Yes, you can definitely use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you’d like to make it extra flavorful, try adding some extra spices or honey to the BBQ sauce before coating the chicken.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in the fridge will enhance the flavors even more. Just be sure to let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.

How can I make the skin extra crispy? For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the marinade. You can also lightly spray the drumsticks with oil during the air frying process.

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