Sticky Honey-Glazed Air Fryer Drumsticks
These Sticky Honey-Glazed Air Fryer Drumsticks are sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky with a beautifully caramelized glaze. The air fryer creates crispy, juicy chicken while the honey-garlic glaze adds a rich flavor that makes every bite delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or family gatherings, these drumsticks are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Air Frying Time: 20–24 minutes
Total Time: 30–64 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Drumsticks
8 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Glaze
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
Sesame seeds
Chopped fresh parsley
Sliced green onions
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
Place them in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until evenly coated.
Marinate for 30 minutes if desired.
Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Set aside.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Air Fry the Drumsticks
Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 18 minutes.
Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking.
Glaze the Chicken
Brush the drumsticks generously with the honey glaze.
Return them to the air fryer.
Increase temperature to 400°F (204°C).
Cook for an additional 2–6 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.
Serve
Transfer drumsticks to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, parsley, or green onions.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
French fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw
Roasted vegetables
Garlic bread
Rice or mashed potatoes
Tips for Success
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
Avoid adding the glaze too early, as honey can burn.
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
For extra stickiness, brush on a second layer of glaze after cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months.
Reheat
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Drumstick)
Calories: 180
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 9g
Sugar: 7g
These Sticky Honey-Glazed Air Fryer Drumsticks deliver the perfect combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sweet-savory glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.