Name: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 chicken drumsticks; ½ cup barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon oil; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon oregano

Jump To Recipe

This air fryer BBQ chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy smoky, tender chicken with a crispy finish. It’s a no-fuss solution for a flavorful meal that’s ready in less time. The air fryer delivers juicy chicken with a perfectly caramelized BBQ glaze in every bite.

Air fryer BBQ chicken stacked on a white plate.

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This air fryer BBQ chicken recipe is designed for ease and convenience without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

With a rich, smoky BBQ glaze that caramelizes perfectly, this dish delivers all the bold flavors of barbecue in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a mess-free alternative to grilling.

Ingredients

Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly in the air fryer and develop a crispy, flavorful exterior. They work well with barbecue sauce, allowing it to coat and caramelize beautifully during cooking. You can also use chicken thighs or wings as alternatives, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Barbecue Sauce: A BBQ sauce with a good balance of sweetness and smokiness will caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, creating a sticky, flavorful coating. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce or make a homemade version if you prefer more control over the flavor profile.

Spices (Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano): These spices add depth to the chicken and enhance the BBQ sauce’s flavor. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with these spices for a consistent flavor throughout.

See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

Chicken drumsticks rubbed with spices and seasonings.

Step 1: In a bowl, combine oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Add the chicken and mix well to coat them evenly.

Step 2: Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

Step 3: Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 380℉ for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉ and the skin is crispy. Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.

Chicken drumsticks brushed with bbq sauce.

Step 4: Brush the drumsticks with the barbecue sauce, coating them evenly on all sides. Return the drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.

Expert Tips

Before seasoning, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin get crispy.
Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken ensures that they cook evenly and quickly.
Leftover air-fried BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer and brush with extra BBQ sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Serve it with classic accompaniments like a crunchy coleslaw or a fresh green salad. Corn on the cob is a great side dish that complements the barbecue taste. For a heartier option, serve it with potato salad or baked beans.

BBq chicken on a wooden board with bbq sauce in the background.

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