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Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy and flavorful chicken drumsticks coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks The main protein that absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Helps achieve that golden crispy texture on the skin.
Spice Mixture
  • 1 tablespoon paprika or chili powder Adds a delicious smoky flavor and enhances the dish's color.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper or cayenne Provides a kick of heat that complements the buffalo sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon salt or seasoned salt Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Buffalo Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce The key ingredient for the signature buffalo flavor.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Adds richness to the buffalo sauce while balancing the heat.
  • 1 tablespoon molasses or honey Offers a touch of sweetness to contrast with the heat of the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Used to thicken the buffalo sauce for a clingy consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a bowl, combine paprika, pepper or cayenne, and salt.
  3. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel and poke 10 to 15 holes in the skin of each using a sharp knife or metal skewer.
  4. Rub the drumsticks with vegetable oil and evenly sprinkle with the spice mixture, ensuring the spices reach beneath the skin.
Cooking
  1. Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
  2. Cook until the chicken is crisp and reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees, approximately 22 to 25 minutes, flipping and rotating halfway through.
  3. If using chicken legs, cook until well browned and crispy, about 27 to 30 minutes, rotating halfway through.
Buffalo Sauce Preparation
  1. Meanwhile, microwave hot sauce, butter, molasses, and cornstarch in a bowl until hot, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Once the chicken is cooked, brush generously with the buffalo sauce and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Toss the chicken in more buffalo sauce or brush additional sauce on before serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning and cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Feel free to adjust spice levels based on personal preferences.