Go Back
–+ servings
Eight glazed chicken drumsticks are arranged in a single layer inside the basket of an air fryer, cooked to a golden brown.
Print Recipe Add to Collection
Rate this Recipe!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe (Legs or Thighs)

Craving sticky, smoky BBQ chicken but don't feel like babysitting a grill? This is your move. This air fryer BBQ chicken cooks the chicken fully before glazing, preventing burnt sauce and keeping the meat juicy. A final high-heat blast sets the sticky glaze without drying out the chicken. Giving you full cookout energy in 25 minutes without stepping outside.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: air fryer, American
Servings: 4
Calories: 413kcal
Author: Kita Roberts

Equipment

Ingredients

For the air fryer chicken:

  • 2 to 2½ pounds chicken drumsticks or bone-in skin-on thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the glaze (after cooking):

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce thick sweet & smoky
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F..
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels then rub it all over with the olive oil.
  • In a small bowl combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken pieces.
    Raw chicken drumsticks coated with seasoning in a clear glass bowl on a white surface.
  • Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
    Eight seasoned raw chicken drumsticks arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket, ready for cooking.
  • Air fry for 10 minutes then flip the chicken.
  • Cook 8–10 minutes until the thickest part reaches 175–185°F and the skin looks blistered and golden.
    Eight seasoned chicken drumsticks arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket.
  • Stir the BBQ sauce and honey together in a bowl.
  • Brush the glaze over the cooked chicken.
    A basting brush with barbecue sauce is held over cooked, seasoned chicken drumsticks arranged in an air fryer basket.
  • Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the glazed chicken for 1-2 minutes more just to set the glaze and make it sticky.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    A white plate filled with air fryer barbecue chicken drumsticks, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a white surface.

Notes

  • Do not glaze before the chicken is fully cooked  (sugar burns fast).
  • Dark meat is best pulled between 175–185°F for tender texture.
  • If pieces vary in size, remove smaller ones early and glaze together at the end.
  • Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to keep the skin from going soft.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 1003mg | Potassium: 527mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg