Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks – Perfect for Snacks & Beer
Craving some delicious chicken at home? With just an air fryer, you can whip up these fantastic Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks! Marinating the chicken before cooking infuses it with incredible flavor, resulting in meat that’s incredibly tender and succulent. Each bite is so addictive; they’re perfect as a snack, a late-night treat, or an appetizer for your next gathering. The air fryer crisps them up beautifully, rendering out excess fat and leaving no chickeny smell, just pure, juicy goodness.
Main Ingredients
- 5 chicken drumsticks
- 3 Tbsp store-bought teriyaki sauce
- A pinch of sliced almonds
- A little dried rosemary (optional)
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken drumsticks under cold running water. Next, using a knife, make 3-4 deep slits into the flesh of the drumsticks, close to the bone. These cuts will help the marinade penetrate deeply, ensuring flavor throughout, and also prevent the juices from escaping during cooking, leading to a more tender result.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: dried basil, dried parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix them well until thoroughly combined and there are no clumps. Generously coat the cleaned chicken drumsticks with this marinade, ensuring every part is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, marinate for an hour or longer.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 25 minutes at 220°C, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flipping them halfway through the cooking time will ensure even browning.
Step 4
Using a good quality store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient and guarantees a delicious flavor. Alternatively, you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness by making your own sauce at home using soy sauce, sugar, and honey or corn syrup, according to your preference.
Step 5
Once the drumsticks have cooked for 25 minutes, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cooked chicken drumsticks with the teriyaki sauce. Ensure both sides are evenly coated for a beautiful glaze and rich flavor.
Step 6
Return the sauce-coated drumsticks to the preheated air fryer (or oven) set at 220°C (425°F). Cook for an additional 4 minutes. This final step allows the teriyaki sauce to caramelize slightly, creating a glossy, appealing finish. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle the savory teriyaki chicken drumsticks with sliced almonds for a delightful nutty crunch. For an extra aromatic touch and a beautiful presentation, garnish with a few flakes of dried rosemary, if desired.
