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Air fryers have rapidly gained popularity in modern kitchens, transforming the way we cook our favorite foods. Their ability to deliver crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods makes them a top choice for health-conscious cooks. Among the many dishes you can prepare in an air fryer, BBQ chicken drumsticks stand out as a quick and flavorful option that the entire family will love. This recipe not only highlights the convenience of air frying but also packs a punch with a smoky, tangy BBQ flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

30-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Discover the joy of cooking with this quick and easy 30-minute air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe. Perfect for busy families, these drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and brushed with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy crispy, delicious meals with less oil while maintaining all the rich taste you desire. Make mealtime stress-free with this mouthwatering dish that’s ready in no time!
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Ingredients
  

10 chicken drumsticks

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin.

    Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.

      Coat the Drumsticks: Rub the seasoning mix all over each drumstick until they are evenly coated. You can also consider marinating them in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour for more flavor, but it's not necessary for this quick recipe.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

          Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching for even cooking.

            Air Fry Chicken: Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they’re crispy on all sides.

              Glaze with BBQ Sauce: After 25 minutes, brush the drumsticks with your preferred barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce, giving them a sticky and flavorful finish.

                Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you have a meat thermometer, it's a great tool to check.

                  Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4