Crispy & Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks (Air Fryer Recipe)
Crispy & Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks (Air Fryer Recipe)
#TeriyakiChickenDrumsticks #AirFryerChicken #EasyChickenRecipe #HolidayPartyFood #SimpleCooking
Looking for an impressive main dish to elevate your home party? These Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks, with their crispy exterior and incredibly moist interior, are sure to wow your guests! Thanks to the convenience of an air fryer, anyone can easily make this dish, making it a perfect centerpiece for Christmas or year-end celebrations. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, making it an ideal side for rice or a delicious accompaniment to drinks. Prepare a generous batch and create wonderful memories!
Main Ingredients- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 3 Tbsp soju (or sake)
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 star anise
Marinade & Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 4 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 4 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To remove any gamey odor and tenderize the chicken drumsticks, we’ll begin by parboiling them. In a pot large enough to hold the drumsticks, add chicken drumsticks, water, whole garlic cloves, star anise, and bay leaves (and whole peppercorns, if using). Simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This process helps to remove impurities and blood from the chicken, neutralizes unwanted odors, and also shortens the cooking time in the air fryer. Once parboiled, drain the drumsticks and let them cool down slightly.
Step 2
Once the drumsticks have cooled a bit, make 2-3 shallow cuts on both sides of each drumstick. This scoring allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor. Now, let’s start marinating. Place the scored drumsticks in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried basil to begin the seasoning process.
Step 3
Next, generously coat the drumsticks with teriyaki sauce for a rich, savory flavor. To further enhance the taste and eliminate any lingering odors, add grated ginger juice and mirin. If you have a smoky soy sauce or a ‘bul-hyang’ (smoky aroma) meat sauce at home, you can mix it with the teriyaki sauce for an even more complex flavor profile.
Step 4
Using your hands, gently massage the marinade into the chicken drumsticks, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight or for about half a day.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to air fry the marinated drumsticks to perfection. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the marinated drumsticks in a single layer. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks, lightly brush with olive oil, and air fry for another 15 minutes. A total of about 30 minutes should result in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your drumsticks and your air fryer model.
Step 6
Voila! Your Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks are ready! They boast a glossy, deep brown color from the teriyaki sauce, with wonderfully crispy skin and succulent meat inside. Using an air fryer is truly an excellent method for achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and moist interior. Try this recipe for your next special occasion or gathering – it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
