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Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks

Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks

Published on January 18, 2022 by Bintu. 1 Comment

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chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket
CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS ON A PLATE OVER SALAD

Move over, buffalo wings! Tasty buffalo drumsticks deliver the delicious buffalo sauce flavor you crave but in a satisfying full-meal size package. This flavorful buffalo chicken drumsticks recipe cooks quickly and easily right in your air fryer and is ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!

Suitable for gluten free, low carb, keto diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

close up view of the completed air fryer buffalo drumsticks

Buffalo wings are a much-loved appetizer and bar-food snack, but sometimes they’re not quite enough. That’s where these zesty buffalo chicken legs come to the rescue. They’re bigger and meatier than typical buffalo wings, yet still loaded with that classic buffalo chicken flavor. 

Buffalo chicken drumsticks are easy to make in your air fryer. It takes less than 30 minutes and all you need are 4 ingredients. Once you see how simple it is to whip up crunchy, spicy buffalo drumsticks, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make them!

This drumsticks recipe is perfect for all sorts of occasions. We’re talking parties, family gatherings, and of course, they’re an ideal addition to your game day spread.

top down view of the buffalo drumsticks inside the air fryer basket

Why Make This Recipe

  • Filling – This drumsticks recipe is more filling than traditional buffalo chicken wings and can be served as a main dish.
  • Fast – Enjoy flavorful buffalo chicken drumsticks in under 30 minutes. 
  • Perfect for Entertaining – Hungry crowds love these satisfying buffalo chicken legs. 

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken – Using chicken drumsticks makes this recipe a full meal rather than an appetizer or snack. 
  • Hot Sauce – Use Franks buffalo hot sauce or your favorite brans. 
  • Mayonnaise – Create a deliciously creamy sauce for this drumsticks recipe. 
  • Blue Cheese – Find this in the deli section of your grocery store. You can crumble a brick of cheese or purchase pre-crumbled. 
the ingredients needed for making this buffalo drumsticks recipe

 How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Drumsticks

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F or 188 degrees C.
  2. In a large bowl, combine hot sauce and mayonnaise. Then add the drumsticks and toss until well coated. 
  3. Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, then top with crumbled blue cheese.
  4. Air fry for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the drumsticks over halfway through cooking.

Note: It’s important to check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken leg.

image collage showing the steps for making this air fryer buffalo drumsticks recipe

How To Bake Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F or 224 degrees C.
  2. Combine hot sauce and mayonnaise in a bowl. Then add the drumsticks and toss to coat well. 
  3. Place the chicken drumsticks onto a baking sheet and add crumbled blue cheese on top.
  4. Bake for 25 minutes, turning the drumsticks over halfway through the cooking time.

Tips For Success

  • Dry the drumsticks with paper towels before coating in the buffalo sauce. 
  • Air fryer temperatures can vary, so use the cooking times listed as a guide, check for doneness and adjust the time as needed. 
  • Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches, if needed.
  • Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of chicken should be at least 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C when thermometer is inserted into the thickest part.
  • Serve buffalo drumsticks with carrot and celery sticks.
the finished buffalo drumsticks served in a white bowl

Variations

  • Season the Chicken – Bump up the flavor by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder before coating with the buffalo sauce.
  • Add a Dip – Add a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. 

Budget-Friendly Tips 

  • Buy Chicken In Bulk – Chicken drumsticks are very affordable, and you can save big when you buy them in bulk. Freeze for later use. 
  • Skip The Blue Cheese – Blue cheese can be pricy. Skip the crumbles and serve the chicken with a side of blue cheese dressing instead. 

Prep Ahead And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – if using frozen drumsticks, place them in the fridge to thaw the night before.
  • Store – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the skin will no longer be crispy. 
  • Freeze – Freezing leftover buffalo drumsticks is not recommended.
the cooked buffalo drumsticks inside the air fryer

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Cook Drumsticks In Air Fryer?

It will take about 18 to 22 minutes to cook buffalo drumsticks in air fryer. Air fryers can vary, so you should always test for doneness with a meat thermometer and adjust the time accordingly. 

Can You Stack Chicken Legs In The Air Fryer?

No, you should not stack the chicken legs. It’s important to leave plenty of room between the chicken drumsticks to allow for even cooking. if needed, air fry them in batches.

What Is The Difference Between Drumsticks And Drumettes?

Although drumsticks and drumettes look similar, they come from different parts of the chicken. Drumettes are a portion of the wing, and drumsticks are a portion of the leg.

a wooden spoon removing two of the finished buffalo drumsticks from the air fryer

 

More Recipes You May Like

  • Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
  • Ranch Chicken Drumsticks.
  • Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
  • Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Loaded Ranch Potato Salad.
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips.
  • Smothered Green Beans.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Get The Buffalo Chicken Legs Recipe:

top down view of the buffalo drumsticks inside the air fryer basket

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Everything you love about buffalo wings in a full-meal size package.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate Save RecipeSaved!
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Western
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 342kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy | Budget Delicious

Ingredients

  • 40 ounces (800g) 10 individual chicken drumsticks
  • ½ cup (157g) Franks buffalo hot sauce or other brand
  • ¼ cup (57g) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (56g) blue cheese crumbled

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F or 188 degrees C.
  • In a large bowl, combine hot sauce and mayonnaise. Then add the drumsticks and toss until well coated.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, then top with crumbled blue cheese.
  • Air fry for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the drumsticks over halfway through cooking.

Baking Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F or 224 degrees C.
  • Combine hot sauce and mayonnaise in a bowl. Then add the drumsticks and toss to coat well.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks onto a baking sheet and add crumbled blue cheese on top.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, turning the drumsticks over halfway through the cooking time.

Video

Notes

  • Dry the drumsticks with paper towels before coating in the buffalo sauce. 
  • Air fryer temperatures can vary, so use the cooking times listed as a guide, check for doneness, and adjust the time as needed. 
  • Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches, if needed.
  • Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of chicken should be at least 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C when thermometer is inserted into the thickest part.
  • Serve buffalo drumsticks with carrot and celery sticks.
  • Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • There are 9 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 1059mg | Potassium: 358mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments

  1. Fleur

    April 16, 2022 at 9:53 pm

    5 stars
    Will be making these time and time again. So delicious.

    Reply

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