Asian-Style Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer Recipe

Prepare to be captivated by the bold, exotic flavors of my Asian-style chicken drumsticks in air fryer recipe.

This recipe is far more than just a unique twist on the classic chicken drumstick—it's a love letter to Asian cuisine, delivering an unmatched balance of savoriness, sweetness, and tang.

Imagine the tantalizing symphony of mustard, honey, soy sauce, dried garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds, all coming together to create a feast for your senses.

Jump to:

• Video Tutorial
• Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
• How To Cook Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
• Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature
• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations
• Substitutions
• Storing and Freezing Leftover Air-Fried Chicken Drumsticks
• Pro Tips Success
• Recipe

Video Tutorial

Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

As an expert home cook, I cherish this version of the recipe not only for its delightful taste but also for its nutritional value. Each bite of these succulent drumsticks provides your body with essential protein, vitamins, and minerals—offering you a perfect fusion of health and indulgence.

But what sets these chicken drumsticks in an air fryer apart from others is the revolution in the cooking method they represent.

Leave behind your traditional oven-baking and stovetop routines—my air fryer technique promises the optimum crispiness on the outside while preserving the juicy tenderness within. Plus, the speed of an air fryer means your taste buds won't have to wait long for this delightful dish.

So, whether you're in need of a quick, tasty weekday meal or searching for a spectacular dish to wow your guests, this air-fried Asian-style chicken drumstick recipe is your passport to culinary success.

Ready to embark on this flavor-filled journey?

Ingredients

• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon white or black sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for greasing (optional)

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (such as the Instant Vortex Plus XL or any other model you have)
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs or spatula
• Cooking oil spray
• Small skillet or pan (optional)

How To Cook Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Take a large bowl and pour in the mustard, honey, and soy sauce. Add in the dried garlic and minced ginger. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning, though remember you can adjust this later if necessary. Stir everything together thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and consistent marinade.

Place the chicken drumsticks in the bowl with the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure each drumstick is coated.

Let them marinate for 30 minutes. If time permits, you can leave them for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF (180ºC). Remove the drumsticks from the bowl, shaking off any excess marinade. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. You can grease the basket with vegetable oil if desired.

Air fry at 360ºF (180ºC) for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time for even browning. You can also brush the drumsticks with the remaining marinade.

While the drumsticks are cooking, toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.

Once the drumsticks are finished cooking in the air fryer, remove them and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve the Asian-style chicken drumsticks immediately.

Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature

It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and personal preferences.

While the suggested cooking time and temperature in this recipe are a great starting point, feel free to make adjustments to achieve your desired level of crispiness and doneness.

If you prefer your chicken drumsticks to be extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time slightly or raise the temperature by a few degrees.

On the other hand, if you like them more tender, you can reduce the cooking time or lower the temperature. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect balance.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Serving Recommendations

Once your Asian-style air fryer chicken drumsticks are perfectly cooked and infused with mouthwatering flavors, it's time to consider some serving suggestions.

These air-fried drumsticks pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce and provide a fluffy, aromatic bed for the chicken.

For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a vibrant stir-fry of colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.

If you're looking to add a touch of freshness, a side of chilled cucumber salad or pickled vegetables will provide a delightful contrast to the warm and savory drumsticks. And don't forget to garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations

While the base recipe for air fryer Asian-style chicken drumsticks is already bursting with flavors, here are some suggestions for alternative ingredients and flavor combinations to further customize your dish:

• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a add a dash of Sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Citrus Zing: For a refreshing twist, squeeze some lemon or lime juice into the marinade to add a tangy and citrusy note to the dish. The bright acidity will beautifully complement the savory flavors.
• Teriyaki Twist: Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter and slightly thicker glaze. The combination of honey, ginger, and teriyaki will create a delightful umami flavor profile.
• Sesame Ginger Fusion: Enhance the nuttiness of the sesame seeds by mixing them with freshly grated ginger in the marinade. The aromatic and earthy flavors will add depth of flavor to the dish.

Substitutions

Feel free to make substitutions based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Variation: If you prefer a different protein, such as chicken wings, boneless chicken thighs, or even tofu, you can adapt the recipe accordingly. Just ensure that the cooking times and temperatures are adjusted to suit the chosen protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that still provides a rich and savory flavor.

Storing and Freezing Leftover Air-Fried Chicken Drumsticks

If you happen to have leftovers, here's how you can store and freeze them:

Store any leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat them in the air fryer or briefly in the microwave.

If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cooked drumsticks. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, ensuring they are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating leftover drumsticks, it's best to use the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness. However, the microwave can also be used as a quick reheating option.

Pro Tips Success

• Seasoning: To ensure the flavors infuse the chicken drumsticks thoroughly, be generous with the seasoning. Don't hesitate to adjust the amounts of mustard, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken to ensure it has a well-balanced flavor.
• Checking the Doneness: While the suggested cooking time in the recipe is a good guideline, it's essential to check the doneness of the chicken drumsticks to avoid undercooking or overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (170°F). Insert it in the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure not to touch the bone for an accurate reading.
• Marinating the Chicken: For maximum flavor infusion, allow the chicken drumsticks to marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, if time allows, marinating them for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will yield even more flavorful results. This extra time allows the marinade to work its magic, resulting in tender and juicy drumsticks.
• Tenderizing Option: If you desire to further enhance the tenderness of the chicken, you can use a fork to pierce the drumsticks all over before marinating. This technique helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender outcome.
• Basting with Marinade: While cooking, consider basting the chicken drumsticks with the remaining marinade or brushing them with some additional sauce. This will add extra flavor and moisture, creating a mouthwatering glaze.
• Preheating the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions before adding the chicken drumsticks. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desired crispy exterior.

In the realm of culinary innovation, these Asian-style chicken drumsticks in an air fryer truly stand out.

But this is just the beginning! I invite you to explore our blog further for an array of ingredient substitutes, additional exciting recipes, and invaluable air fryer tips and tricks.

Expand your culinary horizons and continue your gastronomic journey with us. Who knows? Your next favorite dish might be just a click away.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, one recipe at a time. Happy cooking!

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