Crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sticky-sweet glaze with a slow, satisfying kick – hot honey air fryer chicken legs that absolutely deliver. The air fryer works its magic while garlic, paprika, and chili powder bring serious flavor. It’s weeknight-friendly, snack-approved, and so meaty, you’ll finally get what wings were trying to be.
Chicken legs, pantry spices, and a drizzle of hot honey – that’s my kind of dinner! I love that this recipe’s loaded with spice, heat, and a touch of sweetness, without leaving your chicken swimming in grease. Unlike deep frying, cooking them in the air fryer cuts down on added oil, and drumsticks are naturally packed with protein, plus, there’s no cleanup war zone. And when it comes to skipping the oven? The air fryer gets the skin crispier and keeps the kitchen cool, which honestly feels like cheating.
Contents
hide
❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Extra crispy: The air fryer gives you golden skin without a drop of oil.
- Fuss-free: No splatter, no oven heat, no babysitting.
- Big flavor: Sweet, spicy, smoky, and seriously satisfying.
- Better than wings: Same snacky hit, bigger bites.
- Weeknight win: Fast enough for Tuesday, tasty enough for Friday.
🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Chicken drumsticks: Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for air frying. You can swap for chicken thighs or chicken wings – just adjust the time depending on the cut.
- Black pepper & salt: The base seasoning that brings out the best in the meat. Adjust the salt depending on how salty your hot sauce is.
- Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and depth. Regular paprika works in a pinch, but you’ll miss that smoky note.
- Garlic powder: Gives the chicken and the sauce a savory backbone that ties everything together. Can be swapped for onion powder if needed – or use both.
- Chili powder: Brings a subtle kick and earthy flavor. Want it hotter? Add cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Honey: The sweet side of the hot honey balance. Maple syrup works too, but changes the flavor slightly.
- Hot sauce: The heat to balance the sweet. Use your favorite – sriracha, Frank’s, or even a smoky chipotle sauce.
🥣 How to make air fryer hot honey chicken
- Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the drumsticks. This helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
- Mix your spices: Combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder in a small bowl to make your seasoning mix.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the spice mix over the drumsticks, making sure each one is evenly coated.
- Toss to coat: Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until the drumsticks are fully covered in the seasoning.
- Load the air fryer: Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer – work in batches if needed.
- Cook the first side: Air fry at 200°C/392°F for 10 minutes, then check the underside.
- Flip and cook again: Turn the drumsticks with tongs and air fry for another 10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl or small saucepan, mix together honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Brush with sauce: Generously brush the hot honey sauce over the drumsticks on both sides.
- Cool and serve: Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle. Then get stuck in while they’re still sticky and hot!
🪄 Recipe notes & tips
- Work in batches: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soft skin – space the drumsticks out in a single layer.
- Adjust to your air fryer: Every model runs a little differently, so check early the first time to avoid overcooking.
- Boost the heat: Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the glaze if you like it spicy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Overcooked chicken = dry chicken. Aim for 75°C/165°F for juicy, safe drumsticks.
- Let them rest: Resting stops the juices from spilling out when you cut in, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
🫙 Storage instructions
- Fridge: Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C/356°F for 4–5 minutes to bring the crisp back.
✨ Variations
- Chicken breasts: Slice into strips and air fry until golden – great for hot honey chicken tenders.
- Crunchy coating: Dredge chicken in a flour mixture, dip in egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for that classic fried-chicken feel.
- Butter glaze: Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the hot honey sauce for a richer finish.
- Vinegar upgrade: Stir in a splash of apple cider or white wine vinegar for a spicy, sweet & sour twist.
- Sticky BBQ glaze: Swap the hot sauce in the honey glaze for barbecue sauce to turn it smoky-sweet instead of spicy.
🍽️ What to serve with hot honey air fryer chicken legs
- Sides: Serve with air fryer frozen french fries or parsnip puree.
- Veggies: Try easy sesame broccoli with garlic or cheesy keto green bean casserole.
- Dips: Pair with 5-minute whole30 ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or spicy mayo if you’re after an extra kick of heat.
- Carbs: Enjoy with mac and cheese stuffed bell peppers, gluten free cornbread, or basmati rice.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
Yes, but thaw them completely first – seasoning won’t stick well to frozen skin and they won’t cook evenly.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
Nope – the spice rub and hot honey sauce bring plenty of flavor without the wait.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, use a convection oven at 200°C/392°F and place the drumsticks on a wire rack over a tray. Expect slightly less crisp, but still tasty.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Season the drumsticks and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. You can also make the sauce ahead and warm it when ready to serve.
😋 More finger-licking dinner recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
- Air Fryer Pollo Asado
- Authentic Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sticky-sweet glaze with a slow, satisfying kick – hot honey air fryer chicken legs that absolutely deliver. The air fryer works its magic while garlic, paprika, and chili powder bring serious flavor. It’s weeknight-friendly, snack-approved, and so meaty, you’ll finally get what wings were trying to be.
Ingredients
- 1.1 kg chicken drumsticks about 2.5 lbs
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
Hot honey sauce
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 200°C/392°F, and set the time to 25 minutes, allowing it to heat for 5 minutes.
- Strain the drumsticks in a strainer and pat them dry with a paper towel.1.1 kg chicken drumsticks
- Place the drumsticks in a mixing bowl along with the spices and mix them well together.1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
- After the air fryer has heated for 5 minutes, place the drumsticks in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer and turn the drumsticks with tongs.
- Close the basket and air fry for another 10 minutes.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking it with a meat thermometer. It should read 75°C/165°F.
- Make the hot honey sauce by mixing honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder together.4 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Brush the hot honey sauce over the chicken on both sides and then air fry for 2 more minutes.
- Allow the chicken to cool for 5 minutes. Then dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- Work in batches: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soft skin – space the drumsticks out in a single layer.
- Adjust to your air fryer: Every model runs a little differently, so check early the first time to avoid overcooking.
- Boost the heat: Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the glaze if you like it spicy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Overcooked chicken = dry chicken. Aim for 75°C/165°F for juicy, safe drumsticks.
- Let them rest: Resting stops the juices from spilling out when you cut in, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
Storage instructions
- Fridge: Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C/356°F for 4–5 minutes to bring the crisp back.
- Best for: Meal prep, lunchboxes, or that midnight fridge raid when you “forgot” you made extras.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 216mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!