Description
Crispy, flavorful chicken drumsticks cooked quickly in the air fryer with a sticky homemade teriyaki glaze. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900g), skin-on
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (120ml)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
- 2 tablespoons honey (30ml)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30ml)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3g)
- 2 tablespoons water (30ml)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the chicken drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the glaze thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks using tongs and brush generously with the teriyaki glaze.
- Cook for another 8-10 minutes, brushing the glaze on once or twice more if desired for extra sticky skin. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer drumsticks to a plate or wire rack to rest for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin. Preheat air fryer to jumpstart crisping. Flip and baste drumsticks halfway through cooking to prevent burning and ensure even coating. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Make extra glaze for drizzling on sides. Cook in batches if air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken drumstick
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 22
Keywords: air fryer, teriyaki chicken, chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, sticky glaze