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Sticky air fryer chicken drumsticks served with sesame seeds and green onions

Sticky Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (BBQ Teriyaki Glaze)

Sweet Family Meals
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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

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
Keyword air fryer chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken drumsticks air fryer, easy air fryer chicken, glazed chicken drumsticks, sticky chicken drumsticks, sweet chili chicken drumsticks, teriyaki chicken drumsticks
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