Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drummies Recipe

Chicken drumettes: These are small chicken wings with a drumstick shape, perfect for snacking or a meal.

BBQ sauce: A flavorful sauce that adds a sweet, tangy, or smoky taste to the chicken.

Olive oil: Helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it moist while giving a light crisp.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

One of the most helpful moves in this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drummies Recipe is flipping the chicken drumettes halfway through cooking. Here’s how to do it so the drummies cook evenly and get that perfect crispy outside and juicy inside:

1. When your air fryer timer goes off after the first 10 minutes, carefully open the basket. Use tongs to gently lift each drumette and turn it over so the other side faces down.
2. Try to spread them out again in a single layer, not crowded or stacked. This helps the hot air reach every side.
3. Close the basket and set the timer for the next 10 minutes.

Flipping the drumettes is a simple step that makes a big difference. If you don’t flip them, one side might get too dark or even burn, while the other side stays undercooked. Turning them halfway means both sides get that golden, crispy skin everyone loves. Plus, it helps the chicken cook all the way through without drying out.

When I first tried this recipe, I forgot to flip the drummies and ended up with one side super crispy and the other side kind of pale and soft. It wasn’t as tasty or fun to eat! Now, I always flip them, and it feels like a little secret trick that makes the whole dish better. Also, using tongs instead of a fork keeps the skin from tearing, so your chicken looks great when it’s done.

Flipping might seem small, but it’s one of those easy steps that helps you get the best results with your air fryer and makes your BBQ chicken taste just right every time.

• 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.