Air fryer chicken drumsticks
These air fryer chicken drumsticks come coated in a glossy teriyaki glaze that clings beautifully to the skin. Served with fluffy rice and a crisp vegetable mix, this recipe delivers a complete and colourful meal in just half an hour. Topped with crumbled white cheese and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, it is great for a casual get-together.
Ingredients
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8
Chicken drumsticks
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Teriyaki and honey marinade
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100 ml
Teriyaki sauce
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50 ml
Runny honey
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1½ tsp
Ground ginger
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1½ tsp
Garlic powder
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1 tsp
Dried chilli flakes
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¾ tsp
Coarse salt
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Rice and vegetables
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250 g
Basmati rice
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200 g
Tenderstem broccoli, cut into smaller pieces
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150 g
Edamame beans, thawed
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½
Cucumber, diced
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1 bunch
Spring onions, thinly sliced
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3 tsp
Japanese rice vinegar
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½ tsp
Sugar
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½ tsp
Coarse salt
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To serve
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50 g
White cheese, cubed and crumbled
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1 tbsp
Sesame seeds (toasted if desired)
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Marinate the chicken drumsticks thoroughly in a mix of teriyaki sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and chilli flakes and let the drumsticks sit in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight if you have time. Take them out about 15–30 minutes before cooking to ensure they cook evenly, and remember to shake off any excess marinade so it does not burn in the air fryer.
Apply the teriyaki-honey marinade twice for crispier air fryer chicken drumsticks. Begin by thoroughly coating the drumsticks before cooking to let the marinade seep in for a deeper flavour. After 15 minutes, brush on a second layer of marinade for a thicker, crunchier coat, which will caramelise and crisp up. For an extra glossy finish, add a thin layer right after cooking.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer chicken drumsticks
Preparing air fryer chicken drumsticks is quite simple with our FAQs. Here, you will explore answers to common questions that help you get crispy, perfect results.
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
Cook chicken drumsticks for 25 minutes in an air fryer at 180 °C. Turn them halfway through and brush with a little extra marinade as they cook, keeping the flavour strong and stopping it from burning. Check that the chicken is properly cooked with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick, but avoid the bone. The chicken is ready when it reaches 75 °C. You can also slice into the thickest part and check if the meat is fully white with no pink, and the juices run clear.
Should I preheat my air fryer before adding the chicken drumsticks?
Yes, you should preheat your air fryer before cooking the chicken drumsticks. Doing so ensures the air fryer reaches the right temperature of 180 °C. This is especially crucial when your marinade is made with honey and teriyaki sauce, as they form a delicious glaze when cooked at high heat. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, just run it empty at 180 °C for 3–5 minutes before adding the drumsticks.
Should you stack chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
You should not stack chicken drumsticks in an air fryer if you want them crispy and evenly cooked. Air fryers work best when the hot air can circulate freely around the food, ideally in a single layer. This is especially true for teriyaki-marinated chicken drumsticks, as a single layer helps the marinade caramelise and forms a crispy coating. If your air fryer basket is small, cook the drumsticks in batches.
Can you air fry chicken drumsticks from frozen?
Yes, you can air fry chicken drumsticks from frozen. Place the frozen drumsticks in a preheated air fryer at 180 °C for 10–15 minutes. After that, coat the drumsticks well in the teriyaki-honey marinade and put them back in the air fryer. Continue cooking them for another 20–25 minutes, turning and brushing with marinade occasionally to prevent burning. Make sure the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches at least 74 °C before serving.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
2916 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 11.7 gram fibers |
| Protein | 29.6 | 212.7 gram |
| Fat | 41.3 | 136.1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 29.1 | 208.7 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Quick and easy air fryer chicken drumsticks
Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and fuss-free way to enjoy chicken just how you like it. In less than half an hour, the marinade caramelises into a sticky glaze while the meat stays juicy inside.
There is no need for constant checking; just turn the drumsticks once and let the air fryer do the rest. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare rice and vegetables on the side, so everything is ready together.
Juicy chicken in sticky-sweet teriyaki-honey marinade
The teriyaki sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and chilli flakes combine into a punchy glaze that makes these air-fried chicken drumsticks shine. As the chicken cooks, the skin crisps slightly while the sugars in the honey caramelise, creating an irresistible sticky coating.
Bite into the chicken and enjoy the contrast of savoury soy depth, mellow sweetness, and gentle heat from the chilli. The meat itself stays moist and tender, making these succulent drumsticks utterly scrumptious.
With fluffy rice, tender broccolini, and tasty veggies
While the air fryer chicken drumsticks are the main attraction, a few accompaniments turn this into a full Asian-inspired meal. Soft basmati rice provides a light, fragrant base, while broccolini adds a green note with a delicate bite. The rice, especially, will stick to the already sticky drumsticks and absorb some of the sweet-savoury notes.
Make a quick salad of edamame, cucumber, and spring onion for crunch, and add a bit of tangy rice vinegar. Let creamy white cheese and toasted sesame seeds round out the flavours with salty richness and nutty depth.
A full meal in one bowl
Bowl meals are a modern favourite, and it is easy to see why. Everything you need is right there in one place. So, why not layer your air-fried chicken drumsticks in bowls with fluffy rice, tender broccolini, and a crisp salad? Take your time and arrange the different components beautifully. With no need for extra sides, this bowl is proof that easy can also feel complete.
If you want to add more greens, try crisp air fryer broccoli or air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts.
Get creative with vegetables, spices, or sauces
This air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe gives you plenty of room to experiment. Swap the broccolini for pak choi, asparagus, or even roasted peppers. The pak choi is a particularly great choice if you are after an Asian-inspired feel.
Stir a spoonful of sriracha or gochujang into the marinade to get a distinctly spicier marinade. For a twist on the finish, drizzle the bowls with a spicy sriracha mayo or sesame or miso dressing to get a rich, savoury finish.
You can also play with the salad, tossing in radishes, carrots, or other crisp vegetables. These small tweaks allow you to make the dish your own, while keeping the balance of sticky, fresh, and hearty intact.
