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Easy Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

4 from 5 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Marinate Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Sticky, marinated Korean BBQ chicken drumsticks air fried until crisp and brushed with a sweet soy-garlic glaze.

Ingredients 

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks or chicken legs, 6 to 8

Korean BBQ sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger, or 1 tablespoon fresh grated
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons gochujang, optional

Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  • Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and gochujang (if using). Pour 1/4 cup into a small saucepan and refrigerate it for the glaze.
  • Place the drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or bowl, add the remaining sauce and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, let the excess drip off and discard the used marinade.
  • Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
  • Flip and air fry 7 to 10 minutes more, until the thickest drumstick reaches at least 165°F (175 to 185°F for the most tender meat).
  • Meanwhile, simmer the reserved sauce over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
  • Brush the glaze over the drumsticks and air fry 1 to 2 minutes more.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions and serve.

Equipment

  • Air fryer (basket or oven style, 5-quart or larger holds 6 to 8 drumsticks in one layer)
  • Large zip-top bag or mixing bowl, for marinating
  • Whisk and small bowl, for the sauce
  • Small saucepan, for the glaze
  • Silicone basting brush
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read meat thermometer

Notes

  • Cook in batches if your basket is small; crowded drumsticks steam instead of crisp.
  • If the tops darken too fast, lower the temperature to 380°F and add a few minutes.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 30gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1312mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 138IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg