Ingredients
- For the BBQ Sauce:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- For the Chicken:
- 2–3 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 6–8 large drumsticks)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a pot, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and darkens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating function, simply turn it on and let it warm up for 3-4 minutes. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Air Fry the Drumsticks: Once the air fryer is preheated, line the basket with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup (optional). Place the drumsticks in a single layer with space between each. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a drumstick to ensure the juices run clear.
- Glaze the Chicken: Set aside about ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce for dipping. Brush the cooked drumsticks generously with the BBQ sauce on all sides. Air fry for an additional 3–5 minutes to caramelize the sauce and get a nice glaze.
- Serve: Let the chicken cool for 5–10 minutes before serving warm with the reserved BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the BBQ sauce by adding more honey or vinegar based on your preference.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Serve these drumsticks with a side of coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
