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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using these ingredients, you can create a dish full of flavor. Each item plays a key role. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce gives a savory touch. Garlic brings strong flavor, and ginger adds warmth. Olive oil helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken moist. - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Air fryer - Tongs Having the right tools makes cooking easier. I recommend a mixing bowl for combining the marinade and a whisk to blend it well. An air fryer is crucial for achieving crispy skin without frying. Tongs help you handle the drumsticks without making a mess. Gather these items before you start. This way, you will be ready to make the best air fryer honey garlic drumsticks. To start, gather your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This mixture should be smooth and fragrant. The honey adds sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce bring depth to the flavor. Next, add your chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Use your hands or tongs to coat each piece well in the marinade. Make sure they are fully covered. This helps the flavors seep in. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, aim for 2 hours. This step makes a huge difference in taste. While the drumsticks marinate, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will take around 5 minutes. Once the drumsticks are ready, take them out of the fridge. Shake off any excess marinade and arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get that crispy skin we love. Once the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. They must reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If they are done, carefully take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle. Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. This adds both flavor and a pop of color to your dish. To make the best honey garlic drumsticks, start with the marinade. You can adjust the honey to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a twist, try adding spices like cayenne for heat or herbs like thyme for depth. These small changes can boost the flavor. Nobody likes soggy skin on their chicken. To avoid this, make sure to pat the drumsticks dry before marinating. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. When cooking, stick to the recommended time of 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Turning the drumsticks halfway ensures even crispiness. Always check that each drumstick reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Try serving them with rice, coleslaw, or roasted veggies. For plating, arrange the drumsticks on a large serving dish. Drizzle extra honey on top and sprinkle sesame seeds and parsley. This not only adds flavor but makes the dish look great, too. {{image_4}} You can spice things up with different flavors. For a kick, try spicy honey garlic drumsticks. Just add sriracha to your marinade. Use two tablespoons for a mild heat or more if you love spice. Another tasty option is to infuse your marinade with citrus. Lemon or lime juice brightens the dish. Add the juice of one lemon or lime to the mix. This adds a tangy twist that pairs well with the sweetness of honey. You can also bake honey garlic drumsticks in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway. This method gives you a nice crispy skin too. If the weather is nice, grilling is a fantastic choice. Cook the drumsticks on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them often to get that smoky flavor. After enjoying the drumsticks, save leftovers for wraps or sandwiches. Shred the meat and add it to a tortilla with veggies and sauce. It makes a quick and tasty meal. You can also use the drumsticks in salads or grain bowls. Toss the meat with mixed greens, quinoa, or rice. Top it with your favorite dressing for a healthy lunch. Each of these serving styles adds a fun twist to your honey garlic drumsticks. To keep your cooked drumsticks fresh, let them cool down first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. In the fridge, they will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use your air fryer for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the skin crispy while warming the meat inside. To keep them juicy, you can lightly brush them with olive oil before reheating. Yes, you can freeze honey garlic drumsticks! To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer bag, squeezing out any air. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the air fryer for the best taste and texture. I recommend marinating drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb. This wait is worth it for juicy, tasty chicken. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will cook well and remain juicy. Just adjust the cooking time. Chicken thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through. You can try different sauces for variety. Some great options include teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! Preheating the air fryer is a good idea. It helps cook the drumsticks evenly. I suggest preheating at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before cooking. To check if drumsticks are cooked, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and will taste great. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one to check that the juices run clear. You’ve learned how to make delicious honey garlic chicken drumsticks. We covered the key ingredients, easy instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. Whether you choose to grill, bake, or air fry, these drumsticks make a tasty meal. Remember to adjust the marinade to your taste and try fun serving ideas. Enjoy these drumsticks at dinner or as leftovers. With simple steps and a few ingredients, you can impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Drumsticks

Enjoy the delicious taste of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Drumsticks that are sure to impress! These tender chicken drumsticks are marinated in a sweet and savory mix of honey, garlic, and soy sauce for an explosion of flavor. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, they come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Click through to discover this easy recipe and take your dinner to the next level with these mouthwatering drumsticks!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture together vigorously until all ingredients are well integrated.

    Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands or tongs to make sure every drumstick is evenly covered in the flavorful mixture.

      Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the drumsticks to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, although for optimal taste, aim for 2 hours.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right cooking temperature.

          Once marinated, remove the drumsticks from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off before arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

            Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through cooking to guarantee even crispiness. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

              After cooking, carefully take the drumsticks out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

                Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley over the drumsticks for a lovely garnish that adds an extra pop of flavor and color.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, arrange the drumsticks on a large serving plate or platter. Drizzle a bit of extra honey over them and scatter additional parsley and sesame seeds on top, making the dish visually appealing and inviting.