Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks made in the air fryer – they’re my absolute go-to when I need something ridiculously tasty in no time. Picture this: crispy, juicy chicken coated in that perfect mix of garlicky butter and spicy buffalo sauce, all ready in about 30 minutes. I swear, this recipe has saved dinner time at my house more times than I can count! The air fryer gives that amazing crunch we all love without all the oil of deep frying. Even my picky kids go crazy for these – though I might go a little lighter on the buffalo sauce for them. Trust me, once you try these drumsticks, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these drumsticks are life-changing. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
Quick and Easy
From fridge to table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! The prep is so simple—just mix, coat, and let the air fryer work its magic. No babysitting a skillet or dealing with a messy oven.
Crispy and Flavorful
That golden, crunchy skin? The juicy meat inside? And oh, that garlic butter buffalo sauce clinging to every bite? It’s the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes and sigh. The air fryer gives that perfect crispiness without any fuss.
Healthier Than Fried
You get all the satisfaction of fried chicken with way less oil. No guilt, just crispy, spicy, garlicky goodness. My air fryer has basically replaced my deep fryer—and my waistline thanks me!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
Okay, let’s gather our flavor bombs! Here’s what you’ll need for these addictive drumsticks:
- 8 chicken drumsticks – look for ones that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly
- 2 tbsp melted butter – real butter, please! None of that margarine business
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but I won’t judge if you use the jarred stuff in a pinch
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce – I use Frank’s RedHot mixed with butter, but any bottled buffalo sauce works
- 1 tsp paprika – smoked paprika adds amazing depth if you have it
- 1/2 tsp salt – kosher salt is my go-to
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked makes all the difference
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – this little secret weapon boosts all the savory notes
That’s it! Simple, right? The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together. Pro tip: double the sauce ingredients if you’re like me and want extra for dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these drumsticks! Here’s what I always grab:
- Air fryer – obviously! Any size works as long as the drumsticks fit in a single layer
- Mixing bowl – medium-sized for tossing those drumsticks in that glorious sauce
- Tongs – my trusty silicone-tipped ones make flipping the drumsticks halfway through a breeze
That’s seriously it! Maybe a paper towel for quick clean-up, but we’re keeping things simple here. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
Alright, let’s dive into making these irresistible drumsticks! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes while you prep the drumsticks. This is my secret for getting that perfect crispiness right from the start. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels – this helps the sauce stick better and makes the skin extra crispy.
Mix the Sauce
Now for the magic sauce! In your mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, buffalo sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir it all together until it’s beautifully smooth and fragrant. Oh man, the smell alone is incredible! If you’re like me and love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove – I won’t tell!
Coat and Cook
Toss those drumsticks in the sauce until they’re completely coated – I like to use my hands to really massage that flavor in! Arrange them in your air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each one. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all over. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them carefully with tongs. Cook another 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). That sizzling sound? Pure music!
Pro tip: If you want extra crispiness, give them a quick spray with cooking oil before they go in. And don’t skip flipping – it makes all the difference for even cooking!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
Okay, let me share my hard-earned tricks for drumstick perfection! First, size matters – if your drumsticks are huge, add 2-3 minutes to the cook time. Tiny ones? Maybe knock off a minute. Always use a meat thermometer – that 165°F internal temp is non-negotiable for juicy chicken. Want next-level crispiness? A quick spritz of cooking spray before air frying works wonders!
Here’s my favorite secret: let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist. And if you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches – overcrowding leads to steamed chicken, not crispy. Trust me, I learned that the hard way!
Serving Suggestions
These garlic butter buffalo drumsticks practically beg for classic pairings! I always serve them with crisp celery sticks and a big bowl of cool ranch dressing – the perfect contrast to the spicy heat. A simple green salad works great too, or go all out with loaded potato skins. Game day? Add some fries for dipping in that extra buffalo sauce. Honestly, they’re so good you might just eat them straight from the air fryer like I sometimes do – no judgment here!
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – it brings back that perfect crispiness better than a microwave ever could. Pro tip: add a tiny drizzle of fresh buffalo sauce before reheating for maximum flavor revival!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – actual counts might vary slightly based on your exact ingredients. For two drumsticks (that’s one serving, though I won’t blame you if you eat more!), you’re looking at:
- 280 calories
- 16g fat (6g saturated)
- 30g protein
- 2g carbs
- 800mg sodium (go easy on the salt if you’re watching this!)
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The air fryer magic keeps it lighter than traditional fried chicken while still packing all that flavor punch!
FAQs About Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
Q1. Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Wings work great – just adjust cooking time to about 18-20 minutes total since they’re smaller. Keep an eye on them after flipping – those little guys can go from crispy to overdone fast!
Q2. What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
No worries! Mix 3 parts hot sauce (like Frank’s) with 1 part melted butter for a quick homemade version. Or get creative with BBQ sauce mixed with a dash of cayenne for heat. The garlic butter base makes any sauce taste amazing!
Q3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! Prep the drumsticks with sauce up to 4 hours before cooking (keep them refrigerated). The flavors actually deepen! Just let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes before air frying.
Q4. Why are my drumsticks sticking to the basket?
Two tricks: 1) Make sure your air fryer is properly preheated, and 2) give the basket a quick spray with oil before adding the chicken. If they still stick, wait a minute after cooking – they’ll release easier as they cool slightly.
Q5. How spicy are these?
The heat level totally depends on your buffalo sauce! Mild sauces keep it family-friendly, while extra hot varieties will have you reaching for milk. My perfect balance? Medium buffalo sauce with extra garlic butter to mellow it out.
Now go make these Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks and tag me in your photos – I want to see your crispy creations!
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Irresistible 8-ingredient Garlic Butter Buffalo Drumsticks recipe
- Total Time: 32 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy and flavorful garlic butter buffalo drumsticks made in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, buffalo sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Coat the drumsticks evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
- Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce if desired.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the drumsticks.
- For extra crispiness, spray lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American