This Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Drumstick recipe combines the ease of the air fryer with a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue flavor. The chicken is coated with a dry rub that enhances the barbecue glaze, giving the dish layers of spice and sweetness. With crispy edges and juicy, tender meat, this air-fried version of barbecue chicken drums is perfect for a quick dinner or weekend picnic.

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ Chicken is one of my go-to recipes during the summer months. I season the chicken and then grill it. As long as the weather is warm, I am happy to do this, but once it gets cold, I switch to using the air fryer.

This air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe is super easy to make and give you moist and delicious chicken that is full of flavor. I love making air fryer chicken drumsticks as they give me the perfect flavors that I love of making BBQ chicken legs without having to stand at the grill.

When it comes to the BBQ Sauce, you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make homemade BBQ sauce.

Easy Chicken Recipes

Five cooked chicken drumsticks on a wooden board, with a bowl of mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a small dish of sauce beside an air fryer.

Tips & Variations For Making this Recipe

There are a few tips and variations that you can do when you are making this easy air fryer bbq chicken legs recipe.

Pat the Chicken Dry. Blot the chicken legs with paper towels before seasoning to help them get extra crispy.

Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheating for 3–5 minutes helps ensure even cooking and crispy skin right from the start.

Don’t Overcrowd. Leave space between each drumstick so the air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed.

Make it sweeter. Increase the honey for a sweeter glaze.

Make it tangier. Add a bit more vinegar for a more tangy glaze.

Skip the heat. If you don’t like a little bit of heat, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

Finish with Sauce (Optional). If you’re using BBQ sauce, brush it on during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars.

Let Them Rest. Rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices in.

If you like more of that charred barbecue flavor, increase the time for the final glaze step by a minute or two, but keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

A plate with two grilled chicken drumsticks, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes. Another plate of drumsticks and bowls of sauce and mashed potatoes are in the background.

Can I use other types of Chicken for this Recipe?

This recipe is for chicken drumsticks, but you can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts if you would like. You may need to adjust the cooking time, so always check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

What are some good side dishes to serve with BBQ Chicken?

When you are working on your meal plans, these delicious side dishes pair well with BBQ chicken legs.

Potato Salad. Classic creamy or tangy mustard-based versions both work great.
Macaroni and Cheese. Rich, cheesy, and kid-approved.
Grilled Corn on the Cob or baked corn on the cob. Buttered or seasoned, it’s a summer favorite.
Pasta Salads. Italian-style or creamy versions work well.
Sweet Potato Fries. Sweet and savory pairing.

A plate with two barbecued chicken drumsticks, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes, with a cup of sauce in the background.

What is the Best Air Fryer?

There are many different air fryers out there, amongst our team of foodies our favorites are the Cuisinart Air Fryer and convection oven combo, Power XL Pro and the Ninja Foodi 9-in-One. If you don’t have either of them you can use the air fryer you have, but if you are looking to get started with cooking food in an air fryer then our suggestion is that you want to get one of those.

How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Legs

Allow the leftover chicken legs to cool and then place in an airtight container or a zip close plastic bag. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or the microwave. You can add more barbecue sauce to reawaken the flavors.

Raw chicken drumsticks on a plate, with small bowls of sauce, oil, and apple cider vinegar, and a dish of various ground spices arranged on a light surface.

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
2 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Using paper towels, pat all the drumsticks to remove any moisture.

In a small bowl add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper and half of the the smoked paprika and mix together.

A square white dish filled with a mixed seasoning blend sits on a light countertop next to a small metal whisk.

Rub the spice mixture into the chicken drumsticks, evenly and covering all sides.

A plate of raw chicken drumsticks coated with a blend of dry seasonings on a light-colored surface.

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Raw, seasoned chicken drumsticks arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket, ready to be cooked.

Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the edges are crispy.

Seven seasoned chicken drumsticks arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket, ready to be cooked.

While the chicken is cooking in the air fryer.

In a medium mixing bowl, add the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar and the remaining teaspoon of smoked paprika and mix well to combine.

Eight cooked chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket, with barbecue sauce in a small bowl and broccoli on the side.

Once the chicken is cooked, brush it generously with the BBQ glaze and return it to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

This will make the chicken sticky and slightly charred on the outside, adding to the barbecue flavor.

A wooden spatula holds a cooked, seasoned chicken drumstick over a tray of several other drumsticks.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Serve with extra BBQ glaze on the side, and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Air Fryer Recipes