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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks for Busy Evenings

Discover the joy of making quick and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks with your air fryer! This easy recipe delivers juicy and crispy drumsticks in a fraction of the time, all while keeping it healthier than traditional frying. With a mouthwatering seasoning blend and a delicious BBQ sauce to finish, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy tender, savory chicken that fits perfectly into any busy schedule!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin in the air fryer.

    Make the Seasoning Paste: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or a whisk to mix these ingredients together until they form a smooth paste.

      Coat the Drumsticks: Take the prepared seasoning paste and rub it generously all over the chicken drumsticks. Make sure each drumstick is well-coated for maximum flavor. Allow them to rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature; this will help the spices penetrate the meat.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately once placed inside.

          Initial Cooking: Carefully arrange the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space and are not overcrowded. Cook for 25 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.

            Apply BBQ Sauce: After the initial cooking time, use tongs to remove the drumsticks from the air fryer. Generously brush your desired amount of BBQ sauce over each drumstick, ensuring a good coverage for a flavorful coating.

              Final Cooking Step: Place the sauced drumsticks back into the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce has caramelized and developed a sticky glaze.

                Serve & Enjoy: Once the drumsticks are cooked to perfection, carefully take them out of the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve alongside additional BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 37 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the drumsticks on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for an appealing touch. Serve with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete meal.