Sticky Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (BBQ Teriyaki Glaze)
Juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich sticky glaze, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a must-try for any quick homemade meal. The combination of BBQ sauce, teriyaki, and sweet chili creates a perfectly balanced flavor that’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy in every bite.Thanks to the air fryer, you get beautifully cooked chicken with a lightly crispy exterior and tender inside, all without turning on the oven. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.These sticky air fryer chicken drumsticks are great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a fun appetizer. Finished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, they look just as good as they taste.
Ingredients
- 6 –7 chicken drumsticks
- 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce ( to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For serving:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (or as desired)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (or as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by cutting the skin and tendons around the narrow end. Remove that part, then gently push the meat downward to form a rounded “lollipop” shape.
- Wrap the exposed bone ends with aluminum foil to keep them clean while cooking.
- In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, Sriracha, and salt until smooth.
- Dip each drumstick into the sauce, making sure it is fully coated.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
- Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 10 minutes.
- Remove the drumsticks and brush them with more sauce.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for another 8–12 minutes, or until fully cooked and nicely caramelized.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
🔥 Calories (approximate)
Per serving (based on 4 servings):👉 ~380–450 kcal
🧮 Breakdown (per serving estimate):
- Chicken drumsticks (skin-on): ~280–320 kcal
- Sauces (BBQ, teriyaki, sweet chili, Sriracha): ~80–120 kcal
- Sesame seeds: ~40–60 kcal
💡 Notes:
- Calories can vary depending on the BBQ sauce (some are higher in sugar)
- Removing skin would lower calories, but your recipe keeps it for flavor
- Air fryer helps reduce extra fat compared to frying
