Are you craving a mouthwatering, crispy, and fiery chicken dish that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? Look no further! These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks are about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, drenched in tangy buffalo sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Whether you're a spice lover, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who wants a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your ultimate game-day, weeknight, or anytime solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken drumsticks from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Drizzle olive oil over drumsticks and season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C), which provides optimal temperature for cooking chicken thoroughly and creating crispy exterior.
- Arrange drumsticks in air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and crispy skin.
- Check internal temperature of chicken with meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) at thickest part to ensure food safety.
- Remove drumsticks from air fryer and immediately brush generously with buffalo sauce, coating each piece completely.
- Let drumsticks rest for 3-5 minutes to allow sauce to adhere and chicken to retain its juices.
- Serve hot with optional side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Remove excess moisture from drumsticks with paper towels to achieve that coveted crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange drumsticks in a single layer with space between them for optimal air circulation and even cooking.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Always check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce Application Technique: Brush buffalo sauce immediately after cooking while drumsticks are hot to help the sauce adhere better.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your spice tolerance - more sauce means more heat!
- Serve Immediately: These drumsticks are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 73kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
