Oh, you’re in for a treat! These miso butter air fryer drumsticks are my go-to when I want crispy, juicy chicken with minimal effort—and maximum flavor. The air fryer works its magic, giving the skin that perfect golden crunch while keeping the meat tender. But the real star? That luscious miso butter glaze. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little umami-rich, clinging to every bite. I stumbled onto this combo during a lazy weeknight when I needed something fast but special. Now, it’s the recipe my family begs for—even my picky nephew licks the plate clean. Trust me, once you try these, your weeknight dinner game will never be the same.
Why You’ll Love These Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks
Let me count the ways these drumsticks will become your new obsession:
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives the skin an irresistible crispy texture without deep frying
- Ready in a flash: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy nights
- Flavor bomb glaze: The miso butter combo is sweet, salty, and packed with umami goodness
- Minimal cleanup: No greasy pans to scrub – just wipe out the air fryer basket
- Foolproof cooking: Even if you’re new to air frying, this recipe is practically mistake-proof
Seriously, what’s not to love? These drumsticks check all the boxes for an easy, delicious meal.
Ingredients for Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive drumsticks:
- 8 large chicken drumsticks (about 3-4 oz each)
- 2 tbsp packed white miso paste (don’t use red – it’s too strong!)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted but not hot
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup if you’re out)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (I use low-sodium to control saltiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh minced works too)
- 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1/2 tsp fresh grated)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pro tip: If you can’t find white miso, yellow works in a pinch – just use 1 tbsp instead of 2 since it’s saltier.
Ingredients for Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks
Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive drumsticks (measurements matter – trust me!):
- 8 large chicken drumsticks (about 5 oz each)
- 2 tbsp white miso paste, packed (don’t skimp – this is the flavor powerhouse!)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted but not hot (I microwave in 10-second bursts)
- 1 tbsp honey (the good sticky stuff, not the squeeze bottle)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low-sodium both work)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt – we control the salt ourselves)
- 1 tsp ginger powder (fresh grated works too, but powder’s easier)
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy
No white miso? Yellow works in a pinch, but reduce soy sauce slightly since it’s saltier. And if you must use salted butter, just taste before adding more soy sauce. Now let’s make some magic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these trusty tools – you probably already have most:
- Your air fryer (obviously!)
- A medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs for flipping
Nice-to-haves: meat thermometer (for perfect doneness), silicone brush (for extra glaze love), and parchment liner (for easier cleanup). That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – turning simple ingredients into crispy, sticky, finger-licking-good drumsticks. Follow these steps and you’ll be golden (literally).
Preparing the Miso Butter Glaze
First, melt your butter gently – I zap it in 10-second bursts so it doesn’t get too hot. Hot butter will make the honey separate and the miso clumpy (been there, done that). Whisk everything together in a bowl until it’s smooth as silk. Taste it – that umami-sweet combo is what makes these drumsticks irresistible!
Coating and Cooking the Drumsticks
Pat your drumsticks dry – this helps the glaze stick better. Now dunk each one in that glorious miso butter mixture, coating them evenly. Arrange them in your preheated air fryer basket with some breathing room (no overcrowding or they won’t crisp up!). Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip carefully with tongs for flipping, then another 10 minutes. Check that internal temp hits 165°F – the meat should pull away from the bone easily. Pro tip: Baste with extra glaze halfway through for extra flavor!
Tips for Perfect Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks
Want restaurant-quality results every time? Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Dry those drumsticks! Pat them thoroughly with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Size matters: For jumbo drumsticks (over 5 oz), add 2-3 extra minutes. Smaller ones? Check early!
- Glaze generously: Baste with extra miso butter halfway through cooking for maximum flavor impact.
- Don’t peek too soon: Resist opening the air fryer before the first 10 minutes – you’ll lose precious heat.
- Rest before serving: Let them sit 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute.
Follow these tips and you’ll get drumsticks so good, they’ll disappear before they hit the table!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, you’ve gotta serve these drumsticks right! I love them over steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that glorious miso butter glaze. A quick cucumber salad or pickled radishes cut through the richness perfectly. For crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top – it makes all the difference! For another great side idea, check out this air fryer street corn chicken rice bowl.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? (As if!) But if you do have some, 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 4-5 minutes – they’ll come back just as crispy as the first time. No soggy chicken here!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these drumsticks (based on 2 pieces per serving):
- 320 calories – just right for a satisfying meal
- 18g fat (6g saturated) – mostly from that glorious butter
- 28g protein – chicken’s always a winner
- 8g carbs – mostly from the honey and miso
Remember, exact numbers may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients. But honestly? These are so delicious, you won’t be counting numbers – just licking your fingers!
FAQs About Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully – just adjust cooking time to about 22-25 minutes since they’re meatier. The skin gets extra crispy, which I love. Keep an eye on them and check that internal temp hits 165°F. For more chicken cooking tips, review this guide on air fryer chicken thighs.
What if my air fryer is small?
No worries! Cook in batches – just keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while the second batch cooks. Make sure to leave space between pieces so air circulates properly. My tiny first air fryer forced me to learn this trick!
Can I freeze the miso butter glaze?
You sure can! Mix up a double batch and freeze in ice cube trays. Pop out a cube whenever chicken cravings strike. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave gently before using. The flavors actually deepen over time.
Irresistible Miso Butter Air Fryer Drumsticks in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy and flavorful drumsticks cooked in an air fryer with a miso butter glaze.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix miso paste, melted butter, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the drumsticks evenly with the miso butter mixture.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on drumstick size.
- For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion