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Crispy Air Fryer Korean Sweet Chili Chicken Drumsticks

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These crispy air fryer Korean sweet chili glazed chicken drumsticks deliver a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with irresistibly crunchy skin. Quick and easy to make, they are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1/2 cup Korean sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Pat 8 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up better. Place them in a large bowl.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to the drumsticks. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil, then toss everything well to coat evenly. This takes about 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure the skin starts crisping immediately.
  4. Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking (around 10 minutes) using tongs for even browning. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the chicken cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup Korean sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  7. When the drumsticks are done, transfer them back to the bowl or a baking dish. Pour the glaze over and toss so each piece is well coated. The warmth will help the sauce stick beautifully.
  8. Optional: For a stickier, slightly caramelized finish, return the glazed drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp skin. Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning. Tossing the chicken in the glaze off heat gives the best shiny finish without bitterness. For a spicier glaze, add chili flakes or sriracha. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving to keep skin crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, Korean sweet chili chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, sweet and spicy chicken

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-air-fryer-korean-sweet-chili-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-and-perfect/