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Four air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks on a white plate with carrots and celery sticks.
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks have a mouth-watering crispy skin and juicy, tender meat in every bite. Easily adjust the heat level, they're always a hit.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Making Homemade Buffalo Sauce5 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 457kcal
Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken drumsticks or 2 chicken legs, trimmed
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Spice Rub

  • 1 tablespoon paprika or chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper or cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt or seasoned salt

Buffalo Sauce Coating

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for a few minutes..
  • Combine paprika, pepper or cayenne and salt in a bowl.
  • Pat drumsticks dry with paper towel. Using a sharp knife or metal skewer, poke 10 to 15 holes in skin of each drumstick or chicken leg, through the skin.
  • Rub with oil and sprinkle evenly with spice mixture. Rub the spices all over the drumsticks, including beneath the skin.
  • Arrange drumsticks or chicken legs in air fryer basket, spaced evenly apart, alternating ends.
  • Place basket in air fryer.
  • Cook until chicken DRUMSTICKS are crisp and register 195 degrees, 22 to 25 minutes, flipping and rotating chicken halfway through cooking.
  • Cook until chicken LEGS are well browned and crisp and register 195 degrees, 27 to 30 minutes, rotating chicken halfway through cooking but do not flip the chicken.
  • Meanwhile, microwave hot sauce, butter, molasses, and cornstarch in a large bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 1 minute, maybe 2.
  • Brush with buffalo sauce once chicken is cooked and air fry for 2 more minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to large plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Add chicken and toss to coat in more buffalo sauce in large bowl or brush more on before serving. Enjoy every bite.

Video

Notes

  • For appetizers or a snack, plan on 2 drumsticks per person. However, if served as the main course, aim for 3 to 4 drumsticks per person.
  • For crispier skin pat your chicken drumsticks dry with paper towel before seasoning to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
  • Rub the spices all over the drumsticks, including beneath the skin before cooking.
  • Place the drumsticks in a single layer inside your air fryer basket so they cook evenly and try not to overcrowd them. Air needs to circulate to achieve even cooking and a crisp skin.
  • Cook in multiple smaller batches if necessary, and keep the already cooked drumsticks warm in a 250 degree oven if needed, to serve all drumsticks warm and crisp at the same time.
  • Halfway through cooking, rotate drumsticks to ensure all sides are golden brown.
  • Apply the buffalo sauce after cooking to keep the skin crispy.
  • Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the drumsticks to help achieve crispy skin.
  • Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.
  • Allow drumsticks to rest for a few minutes before serving so buffalo sauce sets and flavors meld together.

Nutrition

Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 200mg | Sodium: 1778mg | Potassium: 628mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 993IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg