These BBQ-glazed butterfly chicken drumsticks are everything you want in a weeknight dinner: crispy skin, juicy meat, and that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every bite. They’re butterflied for faster, more even cooking and packed with bold, smoky flavor. Whether you’re air frying or roasting, this recipe brings that grilled taste—no outdoor grill required.
Ingredients
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6 chicken drumsticks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
For the glaze:
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⅓ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
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½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
Instructions
1. Prep the Drumsticks
Start by patting the drumsticks dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and encourages crispiness.
Now, carefully butterfly each drumstick: place one flat on a cutting board and, starting at the thick end, slice along one side toward the thinner tip, stopping just before cutting through completely. Gently open it like a book. This not only helps them cook faster but gives more surface area for seasoning and glaze.
2. Season Generously
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and cayenne.
Rub a bit of oil over the chicken first, then coat each drumstick in the spice mix. Make sure every fold and edge gets a touch of flavor.
3. Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Tip: Smaller drumsticks may be done a few minutes early, so keep an eye out. They’re ready when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the BBQ Glaze
While the chicken is cooking, stir together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes on low heat, just until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
5. Glaze & Caramelize
When the drumsticks are cooked through, brush a generous layer of the glaze over them.
Pop them back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to let the glaze bubble and caramelize—this is where the magic happens. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Oven Method
No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the seasoned drumsticks on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
In the final 5 minutes, brush with glaze and return to the oven to caramelize.
If this recipe’s going on your to-make list, pin it now so you’ve got it right where you need it. It’s one of those meals you’ll want to come back to.
Video Recipe
Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Drumsticks
🧼 Dry = Crispy:
Always pat your drumsticks dry before seasoning. This removes excess moisture and helps both the seasoning and glaze stick better—no soggy skin here.
🔪 Butterfly Like a Pro:
Butterflying may sound fancy, but it’s just one smart cut down the side with less meat. It helps the chicken cook more evenly and gives the glaze more surface to cling to. More surface = more flavor.
🌡️ Know When They’re Done:
Use a meat thermometer if you can. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C), but going just a few degrees higher with drumsticks (around 175–180°F) helps break down the connective tissue and makes the meat even more tender.
🔥 Don’t Skip the Glaze Finish:
That final 3–4 minutes in the air fryer after glazing is key. It caramelizes the sauce and locks in flavor. Keep an eye on them—it happens fast!
🧴 Use the Oil Smartly:
A light drizzle of oil before seasoning helps everything coat evenly, but don’t overdo it. Too much oil can prevent the skin from crisping.
🧂 Season Every Crevice:
Once butterflied, drumsticks have more nooks and edges—make sure the seasoning gets into all those folds for full-on flavor.
Variations to Try
🌶️ Sweet & Spicy:
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze if you like a little heat with your sweet. Honey sriracha also makes a killer swap for traditional BBQ sauce.
🍯 Classic Honey Garlic:
Skip the BBQ sauce and make a quick honey garlic glaze instead—just mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. It’s sticky, savory, and perfect over butterflied drumsticks.
🧄 Herb & Lemon Twist:
Not in the mood for BBQ? Use the same butterfly method, but go for a lemon, garlic, and herb seasoning blend. A squeeze of fresh lemon after cooking brightens everything up.
🍗 Boneless Option:
You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just butterfly them flat, season the same way, and reduce the cooking time slightly—about 16–18 minutes should do it.
🔥 Smoky Chipotle Glaze:
Mix a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce into your BBQ glaze for a smoky, spicy upgrade. It’s bold, deep, and adds a nice little kick.
