Air Fryer Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to make in your air fryer? Try these mouthwatering sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken drumsticks! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or even as a party appetizer.
The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a flavorful glaze that makes these chicken drumsticks irresistible. With the help of the air fryer, you can achieve that perfectly crispy skin while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. Serve these chicken drumsticks hot and watch them disappear within minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this finger-licking good dish!
Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Drumsticks
For this mouthwatering recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken Drumsticks: 8 pieces
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
Honey: 1/4 cup
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
Green Onions: for garnish (optional)
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Steps to Prep the Chicken Drumsticks
1. Wash the chicken drumsticks thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix well to create a marinade.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer
Now that the chicken drumsticks are marinated and ready to go, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the marinated chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow the air to circulate properly.
Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness and browning.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached 165°F (74°C) and are fully cooked through.
Once the chicken drumsticks are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Enjoy these delicious sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken drumsticks cooked to perfection in your air fryer!
Creating the Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
To make the delicious sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce for your chicken drumsticks, you will need a few key ingredients:
| Ingredients: |
| 1/4 cup honey |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons soy sauce |
| 1 tablespoon ketchup |
| 1 teaspoon sesame oil |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper |
To prepare the sauce, simply whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Once you have made the sauce, you can use it to coat the cooked chicken drumsticks for a delicious sweet and sticky glaze.
Glazing the Chicken Drumsticks with Honey Garlic Sauce
Once the chicken drumsticks are cooked and crispy, it’s time to add the sweet and sticky honey garlic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
Using kitchen tongs, brush the honey garlic glaze generously over each chicken drumstick. Make sure to coat each drumstick evenly with the delicious sauce. You can also drizzle any extra glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Return the glazed chicken drumsticks to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and create a beautiful shiny finish. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the honey can cause the glaze to darken quickly.
Once the glaze is caramelized and sticky, remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy these sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken drumsticks as a delicious appetizer or main dish!
Serving and Enjoying Delicious Chicken Drumsticks
Once your air fryer honey garlic chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy the delicious flavors! Here are a few tips on how to make the most of this delectable dish:
1. Presentation is Key
Transfer the cooked chicken drumsticks to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation.
2. Pairing Suggestions
These sweet and sticky chicken drumsticks pair perfectly with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. The combination of flavors is sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re serving these drumsticks at a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, they are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the crispy exterior, tender and juicy meat, and the irresistible honey garlic glaze.
Q&A: Air fryer sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken drumsticks
How do you make air fryer chicken drumsticks?
To make air fryer chicken drumsticks, marinate the chicken legs with your preferred seasonings, then air fry them until they are crispy and fully cooked.
Can you use chicken wings instead of drumsticks for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken wings instead of drumsticks in the air fryer chicken recipe for a delicious variation.
What seasoning would you recommend for the air-fried chicken?
Garlic powder, sriracha, or any other seasoning of your choice can be used to flavor the air-fried chicken.
How long does it typically take to cook air fryer chicken drumsticks?
The cooking time for air fryer chicken drumsticks depends on their size, but they generally take about 25-30 minutes to cook until fully done.
Why is the air fryer a convenient option for busy nights?
The air fryer is a convenient option for busy chicken is cooked nights because it cooks food quickly and requires minimal hands-on effort, making meal preparation efficient.
What is the texture of the air-fried chicken compared to traditional fried chicken?
Air-fried chicken tends to have a crispy exterior similar to traditional fried chicken but with air fryer recipe less oil, making it a healthier alternative.
Can you bake the marinated chicken instead of air frying it?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer, but the cooking make this recipe time and texture may vary.
What should you do to ensure the chicken is fully cooked in the air fryer?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked in the air fryer, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
What are some side dishes that pair well with air-fried chicken?
Side dishes such as roasted vegetables, salad, mashed potatoes, or baked chicken rice make excellent accompaniments to air-fried chicken for a balanced meal.
Why is air-fried chicken a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken?
Air-fried chicken is considered a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken because it requires significantly less oil for cooking, resulting in lower fat content.
How do you make honey soy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer?
To make honey soy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, first marinate the chicken with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Then, air fry the drumsticks until they are crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Can you use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks in the honey soy chicken recipe if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of the thighs.
What makes this air fryer recipe a must-try?
This air fryer recipe is a must-try because it produces crispy and flavorful chicken drumsticks with a delicious honey soy glaze, all cooked with minimal oil.
How do you ensure the chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside?
To ensure the chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, pat them dry before cooking and cook them in the air fryer until they are golden brown and crispy.
What ingredients are needed to make the honey soy glaze?
The honey soy glaze for the chicken drumsticks includes soy sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger for a flavorful and aromatic sauce.
How should you store leftover honey soy chicken drumsticks?
Store leftover honey soy chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Can you describe the taste profile of the honey garlic chicken recipe?
The honey garlic chicken recipe offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors, with the richness of honey complemented by the tanginess of soy sauce and the warmth of fresh ginger.
What role does fresh ginger play in this recipe?
Fresh ginger adds a peppery flavor and aromatic complexity to the honey soy chicken drumsticks, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
How long does it typically take to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer varies depending on their size and thickness but generally ranges from 25 to 30 minutes at around 375°F.
Are there any recommended recipe variations for this dish?
You can customize this dish by adding chili flakes for heat, sesame seeds for crunch, or green onions for freshness, depending on your preferences. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
