Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks are flavorful, easy to make and the perfect alternative to the traditional chicken wing. Seasoned with a dry rub and tossed in buffalo sauce and done in 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for any day of the week!
Chicken drumsticks are always a good idea. Adults and kids love them; they are usually cheaper than other cuts of chicken, like breasts and thighs and are easy to prepare and cook! If you're looking for another budget-friendly option, baked chicken leg quarters are a great alternative that uses a similar cut with even more meat. You can adjust the spice level by altering the buffalo sauce or adding different seasonings, making it customizable to your taste.
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Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Lemon pepper: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper and lemon juice.
- Dry rub: salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika, cayenne and brown sugar.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry, combine all spices into a large bowl and coat each drumstick with the spices using your hands.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, add the chicken and cook in an even layer for 25 minutes. Coat with buffalo sauce and enjoy!
Hint: Cooking time depends on your air fryer so be sure to keep an eye on the drumsticks for the last few minutes to ensure they don't burn.
Sarah's Top Tips for the Best Chicken Drumsticks
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking to achieve crispy skin.
- Using a paper towel, pat the drumsticks dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning them with the spices.
- Make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Cook to 185 degrees F for no redness near the bone.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks are best served with something starchy to balance the heat. For a fresh contrast, pair them with Mediterranean lemon orzo salad, or keep it classic with a cold mayo-free potato salad that can be made ahead.
If you're serving these for game day or a casual dinner, add air fryer frozen seasoned fries to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
These drumsticks will last for up to 4 days in the fridge in a ziplock bag or an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or use the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below-I'd love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- cooking oil spray
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and smoked paprika.1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a paper towel. Place the chicken legs in a large casserole dish or bowl and rub the spice mixture all over the chicken until each leg is fully coated.3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- Place the chicken drumsticks in an even layer in the air fryer, spray lightly with cooking oil and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.cooking oil spray
- Add drumsticks to a bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy!½ cup buffalo sauce
Sarah's Tips
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking to achieve crispy drumsticks.
- Using a paper towel, pat the drumsticks dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning them with the spices.
- Make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Cook to 185 degrees F for no redness near the bone.
- These drumsticks will last for up to 4 days in the fridge in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or use the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
Kaitlin says
Quick and easy! The spice rub was so good we didn't even add the buffalo sauce but will be sure to try it next time. The drumsticks just came out so crispy and perfect we couldn't resist them.
Sarah Hill says
Hi Kaitlin, I will have to try them with just the rub next time! Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sam T says
Easy and very tasty!!
Emilee says
Love this kinda recipes!! This one is one of my husband's and mine favorites!!! ❤️❤️
Sarah Holt says
Hi Emilee, I'm so happy you both enjoyed this recipe!