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Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Easy Chipotle Glaze

crispy air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, smoky chicken drumsticks with a flavorful chipotle glaze, made quickly and easily in an air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the drumsticks. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. (About 5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
  4. In a small bowl, mix chopped chipotle peppers, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as preferred.
  5. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through. The skin should be golden and crispy. (Check internal temperature for safety.)
  6. Brush the drumsticks generously with the chipotle glaze. Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to set the glaze.
  7. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to tack up nicely.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Apply glaze at the end to prevent burning. Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat. If no air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, glazing halfway through. Let chicken rest after cooking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, BBQ chicken drumsticks, chipotle glaze, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, smoky chicken, quick dinner

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/crispy-air-fryer-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-with-easy-chipotle-glaze/