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Close-up of juicy BBQ chicken legs cooked in an air fryer, coated in a glossy barbecue sauce with a perfectly caramelized finish.

Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs – Juicy, Sticky & Flavor-Packed!

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet BBQ glaze — these Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs deliver classic barbecue flavor in just 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Prep chicken: Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Air fry: Arrange chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
  • Flip & sauce: Turn the drumsticks and brush with BBQ sauce. Cook another 8–10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Caramelize: Brush once more with BBQ sauce and cook 2–3 extra minutes for a sticky glaze.
  • Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Tips & Variations

Make it spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to your BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Sugar-free option: Use a low-carb or no-sugar BBQ sauce for keto-friendly results.
Different cuts: Try this with chicken thighs or wings — just adjust the cooking time.
Extra smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your sauce for that authentic BBQ flavor.
 

Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Freeze: Store cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating
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