This Air-Fried Honey Chicken Drumsticks recipe is one of those easy-to-make dishes that you just can’t stop eating. The sticky, sweet honey blends beautifully with the savoury soy sauce and the fragrant garlic granules, making every bite satisfying. Served with crispy baked chips and a fresh mixed salad, this is the ultimate comfort food for your weeknight dinners.
The secret is in the marinade
The key to this dish is the marinade – getting that perfect balance of sweetness and savouriness with layers of flavour. What’s even better is how quick it is to cook once the chicken has marinated.
If you work from home, you can quickly marinate the drumsticks in 5 minutes during your lunch break. By dinner time, the chicken will have soaked up all the goodness of the marinade, making this a speedy and flavourful meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes using your air fryer or oven.
Ingredients for the marinade
To marinate 1 kilo of chicken drumsticks, you will need:
- 3 tablespoons honey – For that irresistible sticky sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (dark or light) – Dark soy sauce will give the drumsticks a rich, deep brown finish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds a savoury, umami depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules – For a fragrant, garlicky kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper – Brings a gentle warmth.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a subtle nutty aroma.
- 1 stalk lemongrass (finely chopped) – Fresh, citrusy notes for a Vietnamese-inspired twist. This is optional, but I highly recommend it.
How to marinate the honey chicken drumsticks
Simply combine all the marinade ingredients with the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl or a big zip-lock bag. Give it a thorough mix to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours – the longer, the better.
As I mentioned, I often marinate the chicken during my lunch break. By the time dinner rolls around, the chicken is perfectly seasoned and ready to cook.
Air Frying or Oven Baking the Drumsticks
Lay the marinated drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a lined baking tray. Brush some of the leftover marinade on top for extra flavour.
Air-fry or bake for 10 minutes or until the tops turn golden. Flip the drumsticks, brush them with more marinade and cook for another 5 minutes until beautifully golden and slightly caramelised.
That’s it! In just 15 minutes, your delicious, sticky honey chicken drumsticks are ready to enjoy.
Serving suggestions
These Air-Fried Honey Chicken Drumsticks are best served with:
- Sweet chilli sauce or peri-peri sauce for dipping.
- Crispy baked chips on the side
- A fresh, crunchy mixed salad to balance the richness.
Quick, delicious and family-approved
This recipe is perfect for those busy weekdays when you need a quick but satisfying meal. With a bit of prep during the day, dinner is sorted in no time. The sweet and sticky glaze, tender chicken and crispy sides make it a family favourite – one you’ll want to make again and again.
Fancying more quick and delicious recipes? Head over to the Quick Meals section for more flavour-packed dishes like:
Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Soy Sauce
Grilled Coriander Pork Shoulder Steak
Air-Fried Honey Chicken Drumsticks
Description
These Air-Fried Honey Chicken Drumsticks are sweet, sticky and savoury with a rich, flavourful marinade. Quick to cook and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
- Combine all marinade ingredients and drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-lock bag.
- Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
-
Cook in the Air Fryer or Oven
- Preheat to 180°C
- Arrange drumsticks in a single layer, brush with leftover marinade, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Turn the drumsticks over, brush with more marinade, and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and caramelised.
-
Serve
- Enjoy with sweet chilli or peri-peri sauce, baked chips and a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 493.87kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26.49g41%
- Saturated Fat 6.65g34%
- Trans Fat 0.11g
- Cholesterol 230mg77%
- Sodium 828.17mg35%
- Potassium 616.69mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 15.86g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.21g1%
- Sugars 12.97g
- Protein 46.18g93%
- Vitamin A 35.09 IU
- Vitamin C 0.43 mg
- Calcium 31.14 mg
- Iron 2.42 mg
- Vitamin D 0.25 IU
- Vitamin E 0.52 IU
- Vitamin K 7.31 mcg
- Thiamin 0.21 mg
- Riboflavin 0.52 mg
- Niacin 12.42 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.89 mg
- Folate 13.44 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.34 mcg
- Phosphorus 429.09 mg
- Magnesium 55.2 mg
- Zinc 4.88 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
