Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer Recipe

Delectably moist and the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, this buffalo chicken drumsticks air fryer recipe makes an excellent centerpiece for an appetizer night spread.

Delicately seasoned with onion and garlic, then air fried in a combination of buffalo, maple syrup, and butter, buffalo chicken drumsticks in air fryer is deliciously satisfying with every mouthful.

Slightly sticky, beautifully moist, and with just a hint of spice, they are guaranteed to impress!

Air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks are so tender that the meat practically falls off the bone because air frying seals in all of the chicken's natural juices. At the same time, the hot air makes the skin go wonderfully crisp.

When you make buffalo chicken legs in air fryer, it’s much easier to get consistently excellent results than in the oven. While the oven can sometimes dry the chicken out and leave you with soggy skin, the air fryer always delivers!

Ingredients you’ll need to make buffalo drumsticks

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**

For the chicken:

• Chicken drumsticks. Always look for plump meat that springs back when pressed, indicating freshness. Choose drumsticks with a good amount of skin (this is the best part!) and be wary of skin or meat that is starting to look a little gray, as this indicates that it’s past its best.
• Onion powder and garlic powder. A tasty combination, giving the meat an extra layer of earthy umami flavor. You could also try asafoetida as a low FODMAP alternative to onion and garlic.
• Salt and pepper.
• Olive oil. Olive oil has a high smoke point and is also a good source of antioxidants, which means it’s a good option for frying.

• Buffalo sauce. You can buy buffalo sauce in most grocery stores or make your own by whisking together hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and vinegar. Alternatively, you can mix honey, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar for a milder version of the recipe.
• Maple syrup. Honey, molasses, or agave nectar can be used instead of maple syrup.
• Unsalted butter, melted. You can switch this to a dairy-free alternative.

How to make air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks

First: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or baking sheet; with a paper towel, pat dry chicken drumsticks, spray with oil all over the chicken, season with onion powder, garlic powder,  salt, and pepper to taste; rub the spices all around the drumsticks including underneath the skin.

Next: Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook to 380ºF for 10 minutes on each side.

Then: Meanwhile, whisk together the buffalo sauce, maple syrup, and melted butter, and set aside until the chicken is done cooking.

Finally: Toss the cooked chicken drumsticks in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Air fry for an additional 10 minutes or until an instant meat thermometer reaches 165ºF.  Serve with your preferred sides. Enjoy!

Recipe tips

• Always use a meat thermometer to check that your buffalo chicken drumsticks in air fryer have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Use a meat thermometer by inserting it into the thickest part of the meat, and be careful not to touch the bone.
• Don’t add the sauce to the air fryer until the last 10 minutes; otherwise, it will burn due to the high temperature inside the basket.

How long to air fry drumsticks

It takes about 30 minutes to cook air fryer buffalo drumsticks - 10 minutes on each side before coating with the sauce and 10 minutes when you’ve added the sauce.

The cooking time will vary depending on how large your drumsticks are and on which model of air fryer you have. 

Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F, and be careful not to touch the bone with the point of the needle as this will alter the reading.

What to serve with Buffalo chicken legs

These buffalo drumsticks are excellent and served as part of a game day spread! Think ranch, celery, carrot sticks, nachos, and a pot of black bean and corn salsa for dipping.

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How to store leftovers spicy hot chicken legs

You can keep leftover buffalo chicken drumsticks in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months - this recipe is a great make-ahead option if you have a busy week!

Always move cooked chicken to the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria from growing. Ensure you store them in an airtight container or ZipTop bag.

How to reheat buffalo chicken drumsticks in air fryer

Begin by preheating the air fryer to 375°F, and place the buffalo chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure that you leave a small gap between each to allow the hot air flow.

Air fry for around 4 minutes and flip them over halfway through. Always check that they have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer before serving.

If you are heating your drumsticks from frozen, you will need to allow an additional 10-15 minutes.

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