Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks

These Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks are made with chicken drumsticks, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and buffalo sauce.

I love adding baking powder when I am air frying chicken. It makes the skin so extra crispy. You can use store bought buffalo sauce or make your own. Making your own buffalo sauce is actually super simple. All you need is butter and hot sauce, like Frank’s red hot sauce. You just need to melt a stick of butter and hot sauce, like Frank’s, on a skillet until it melts. For best taste make your own, although buying a good quality buffalo sauce at the store can be just as good. 

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas and my Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks Recipe Top tips
• Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks Recipe
• Food safety

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Baking powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Buffalo Sauce
• Chives

See recipe card for Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks quantities.

Instructions

If you like this recipe, check out my friend Maddie's Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Tenders!

Substitutions

• Chicken: I love using drumsticks for this, although you could use chicken wings or wingettes.
• Buffalo sauce: You can buy store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own. All you need to make your own is butter and hot sauce, like Frank’s.
• Baking powder: Using baking powder is essential to getting that crispy skin from air frying the chicken. It is so delicious and I even like adding it to chicken when I grill as well.

Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks Recipe Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Drumsticks: Toss the drumsticks in garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese before cooking. Once cooked, drizzle with buffalo sauce and serve with a side of ranch dressing.
• Honey Mustard Buffalo Drumsticks: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and buffalo sauce in a bowl. Toss the drumsticks in the mixture before cooking and serve with extra sauce on the side.
• BBQ Buffalo Drumsticks: Mix together BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce in a bowl. Brush the drumsticks with the sauce mixture before cooking and serve with extra sauce on the side.
• Sweet Chili Buffalo Drumsticks: Combine sweet chili sauce and buffalo sauce in a bowl. Toss the drumsticks in the mixture before cooking and serve with a side of rice or noodles.
• Korean BBQ Buffalo Drumsticks: Mix together Korean BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce in a bowl. Brush the drumsticks with the sauce mixture before cooking and serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
• Cajun Buffalo Drumsticks: Mix together Cajun seasoning and buffalo sauce in a bowl. Toss the drumsticks in the mixture before cooking and serve with a side of coleslaw.
• Lemon Pepper Buffalo Drumsticks: Toss the drumsticks in lemon pepper seasoning before cooking. Once cooked, drizzle with buffalo sauce and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
• Teriyaki Buffalo Drumsticks: Combine teriyaki sauce and buffalo sauce in a bowl. Toss the drumsticks in the mixture before cooking and serve with a side of steamed rice.

Equipment

• Air Fryer: You will need an air fryer to cook the drumsticks. Air fryers come in various sizes, so choose one that fits the number of drumsticks you plan to cook.
• Mixing Bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to mix the buffalo sauce and any additional seasonings you plan to use.
• Tongs: Tongs are essential to flip and remove the drumsticks from the air fryer safely.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush will come in handy if you plan to brush the drumsticks with sauce before or during cooking.
• Instant-read Thermometer: It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. The USDA recommends that chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Plate or Serving Platter: Once the drumsticks are cooked, you will need a plate or serving platter to serve them.

How to store Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks

If you have any leftover air fryer buffalo drumsticks, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Let the drumsticks cool down to room temperature before storing them.
2. Transfer the drumsticks to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Label the container or bag with the date of storage.
4. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days.

Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks Recipe Top tips

• Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before seasoning them. This will help the seasonings adhere better to the chicken and ensure that the skin gets crispy.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the drumsticks. Preheating the air fryer helps to create a hot environment for the chicken to cook and ensures even cooking.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil before adding the drumsticks. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can cause uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking. This ensures that both sides get crispy and prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. This ensures that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) and helps prevent overcooking.
• Brush the drumsticks with buffalo sauce before serving. This adds extra flavor and helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
• Serve with a side of celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing. This is a classic accompaniment to buffalo chicken and helps balance out the spiciness of the sauce.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.