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Home » Blog Recipe Posts » Air Fryer

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs

March 29, 2025 by Sandy 1 Comment

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Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs are a super simple dinner idea that is ready in a little over 30 minutes. With just a few seasonings and your favorite bbq sauce, you can have this tasty meal of air fryer bbq chicken drumsticks on the table quickly! This is a great dinner for busy weeknights.

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs in the AF pan

 

BBQ Chicken in the Air Fryer

If you love chicken drumsticks, try cooking them in the air fryer, it's a game changer! The meat cooks up juicy and tender, and the barbecue sauce caramelizes nicely on the crisped skin.

If you want to try more air fryer chicken recipes, try my Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Fried Chicken.

I have several other Air Fryer Recipes, check them out here!

What is in Air Fryer BBQ Chicken?

You might be happy to know that it only takes a few ingredients to make this easy chicken drumsticks recipe!
Air Fryer bbq Chicken Legs ingredients shot.
Chicken Drumsticks, Salt, Paprika (sweet or smoked), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Olive Oil, Your favorite BBQ Sauce.

Variations

  • You can omit the bbq sauce and use any seasoning, such as lemon pepper.
  • This recipe also works with chicken thighs (cook time may be different. Using a meat thermometer helps you know when they are done.

How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Air Fryer

raw chicken in bowl with spices, chicken coated with spices.
1) Add the chicken spices, and oil to a bowl.
2) Coat the drumsticks evenly.

raw seasoned chicken legs in air fryer basket, legs cooked without bbq sauce.
3) Place chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You don't need to preheat the air fryer.
4) Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through cook time (cook time may vary with the size/thickness of the chicken pieces).

bbq sauce added to cooked chicken in AF pan, piece held with tongs.
5) Coat the chicken with BBQ sauce and cook another 5 minutes.

Storing Cooked Chicken

Let the chicken cool, then place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs on a medium-low heat in the air fryer or microwave. You can also enjoy cold.

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs on a white plate.

Delicious Side Dishes to go With BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad

If you make this tasty BBQ chicken in the air fryer, let me know! Just leave a comment with a star rating below.

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5 from 1 vote
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs in the AF pan
Print
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs are flavorful and delicious. A super easy and quick dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried chicken, bbq chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 323 kcal
Author: Sandy Clifton
Ingredients
  • 8 pieces Chicken Drumsticks
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ¾ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano and olive oil. Add the chicken and coat the pieces evenly with the spices and oil.

  2. Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly into the air fryer tray and cook them at 380°F for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken over at the 13 minute mark (cook time may vary with the size/thickness of the chicken pieces).

  3. After 25 minutes, take the chicken out and coat it on both sides with barbecue sauce. Use tongs to help you grip and coat the chicken on the all sides.

  4. Place the chicken back into the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.

  5. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Serving size is 2 drumsticks.

More Air Fryer

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    Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak Bites

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  1. Rachel

    March 29, 2025 at 11:59 pm

    I love using my air fryer, and this was so good! I use my homemade bbq sauce.

    Reply

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Hi there! I’m Sandy - foodie with a passion for cooking and sharing my tasty recipes. My hubby Paul, our Pug Gizmo, and I live in Washington.

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Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs