Air Fryer Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Try these irresistible Air Fryer Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks for a quick and flavorful meal! Juicy, crispy, and coated in a sweet-savory glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion.

If you love quick air fryer chicken recipes, this is one of the best! made with a few simple ingredients, pop them into the air fryer, and within minutes, you will have an amazing family-friendly and flavorful dinner!

Serve with my Air Fryer Pasta Salad or Air Fryer Potato Salad, and you have a family-friendly dinner!

This is one of the best!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and easy for busy weeknights.
• Crispy outside, juicy and tender inside.
• Sweet and savory flavor everyone loves.
• Healthier than deep-fried alternatives.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum delicious flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
• Pairs well with many side dishes.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Legs or Drumsticks: Use thawed chicken legs, for the best flavor!
• Soy Sauce: Use either low-sodium or regular soy sauce.
• Honey: Uses some sweetness to the sauce.
• Rice Wine or Mirin: Mirin is found in the ethics section of your local grocery store.
• Ginger and Garlic: Use freshly grated ginger and garlic.
• Sesame Oil: Adds some great flavor to the drumsticks!

How To Make Air Fryer Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Step One: Start by placing the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, rice wine (mirin), and sesame oil. Grate some fresh ginger into the bag, then seal and mix everything thoroughly to coat the drumsticks.

Step Two: Let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once marinated, take them out and arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket.

Step Three: Set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting. Set the cook time for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.

Note: Check your chicken before consuming the drumsticks to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, or 75 Celsius. When fully cooked, remove the drumsticks from the Air Fryer Basket.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Honey Sriracha Drumsticks – Add sriracha sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Chicken Breast: Use boneless chicken breasts, or chicken thighs, for a quicker dinner option. Adjust the cooking time.
• Seasonings: Use honey mustard seasoning, lemon juice, or cayenne peppes, for even more flavor.

Air Fryer Stick Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Tips

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Let the drumsticks marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Pat Dry Before Cooking – Lightly pat the drumsticks with a paper towel to remove excess marinade for crispier skin.
• Preheat the Air Fryer – Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Arrange drumsticks in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
• Flip Halfway Through – Turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking for an even golden-brown finish.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Brush with Extra Glaze – For a stickier finish, brush extra honey soy glaze onto the drumsticks during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Line the Basket for Easy Cleanup – Use parchment paper or foil to catch drips and minimize mess.
• Adjust Cooking Time – Depending on drumstick size and air fryer model, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on them.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a final touch of flavor and presentation.

Storing

• Storing: Keep leftover Air Fryer Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to maintain their texture.
• Freezing: Place the cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some crispiness.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Sticky Chicken Drumsticks pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Serve them with fluffy white or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious glaze, or opt for stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a nutritious touch. A crisp Asian-style slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the drumsticks. For a heartier option, try pairing them with roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for a lighter side, a cucumber salad with a hint of rice vinegar complements the dish beautifully.

Air Fryer Sticky Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks? Yes, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and better flavor absorption from the marinade. If cooking from frozen, adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How long should I marinate the drumsticks? For the best flavor, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes, but letting them sit overnight enhances the taste even more.

What temperature should I cook the drumsticks at? Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil or use parchment paper designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe without honey? Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, brown sugar, or a sugar-free alternative if desired.

How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer? Yes, reheat the drumsticks at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

What can I serve with these drumsticks? Pair them with rice, steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken thighs for best results.

How do I make the glaze thicker? To thicken the glaze, simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency before brushing it onto the drumsticks.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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• AIR FRYER CHINESE CHICKEN FINGERS

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