Go Back
–+ servings
Subscription Form


Save this recipe, and we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, we'll add you to our mailing list to keep you updated with more great recipes!

A close-up of crispy, air-fried BBQ chicken drumsticks glazed with a rich, glossy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Southern cooking has a way of making every meal feel like a warm hug. There's something about BBQ chicken that always takes me back to family gatherings, sitting around the table with a plate full of crispy, juicy chicken and the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce.
Print Recipe [btn-google-source] Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course Air Fryer
Cuisine American
Servings 5 Servings
Calories 346 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Basting brush
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing bowl (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
  • In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Pat the 10 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick to the chicken. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
  • Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they are fully coated. Let the chicken sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  • After marinating, arrange the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Be sure they’re not overlapping to allow for even cooking.
  • Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 22-25 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides cook evenly and become golden brown.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss until each drumstick is coated in sauce.
  • Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. This will caramelize the BBQ sauce and give the chicken a crispy, flavorful finish.
  • After 2-3 minutes, your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with your favorite Southern sides!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 27gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 918mgPotassium: 436mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 529IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken, Easy BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer, Quick BBQ Chicken Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!