Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drummies Recipe

Chicken drumettes: These are small chicken wings that are perfect for finger food. They cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.

BBQ sauce: This adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the drumettes. Choose your favorite brand or make your own.

Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the skin of the drumettes and adds a subtle flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When preparing chicken drumettes for the air fryer, ensure they are patted dry with a paper towel before tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. This helps achieve a crispier skin. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, marinate the drumettes in the bbq sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking, then follow the recipe instructions.

• chicken drumettes - Substitute with chicken wings: Chicken wings have a similar texture and size, making them a great alternative for drumettes in this recipe.

• chicken drumettes - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements the chicken well.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with hot sauce mixed with honey: This combination gives a spicy and sweet flavor similar to BBQ sauce.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a slight coconut flavor and also has a high smoke point, suitable for air frying.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the taste of the chicken.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, providing a different but enjoyable heat level to the dish.

• Allow the chicken drumettes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled drumettes in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• For longer storage, freeze the drumettes by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the drumettes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Frozen drumettes can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat thawed drumettes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, brushing with additional bbq sauce if desired.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken drumettes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them loosely with another piece of foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• Use your air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the drumettes in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For a quick microwave option, place the chicken drumettes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.

• If you have a grill handy, preheat it to medium heat. Wrap the drumettes in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a slight char.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Place the drumettes in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for achieving crispy chicken drumettes without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to toss the chicken drumettes with olive oil, salt, and pepper evenly.

• Tongs: A tool used to flip the drumettes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

• Basting brush: A brush used to apply the BBQ sauce onto the drumettes for the final cooking stage.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the correct amount of BBQ sauce.

• Measuring spoon: Used to measure the tablespoon of olive oil.

• Plate: A surface to place the cooked drumettes once they are done cooking in the air fryer.

Pre-marinade the chicken: Marinate the chicken drumettes in bbq sauce the night before to enhance flavor and save time.

Use a liner: Place a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Cook larger batches of drumettes and reheat leftovers for quick meals.

Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the air fryer while prepping the drumettes to save time.

Quick seasoning: Use a pre-mixed seasoning blend to quickly season the drumettes.

Brush sauce early: Brush the bbq sauce on the drumettes a few minutes before they finish cooking to save time.