Air Fryer Drumsticks

By Justin SullivanPublished: Mar 8, 2022

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

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air fryer drumsticks coated in a soy, coca cola sauce topped with sesame seeds

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: LAURA REGE

Yields:

4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Cal/Serv:

415

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While chicken thighs have gotten a ton of, deserved, love recently, we believe that the humble drumstick should also get its time in the spotlight. It's rare when a food is naturally handheld, but when it happens, you know that’s going to make it one of our favorites.

This dish is loosely inspired by two Chinese dishes: fragrant and umami-filled Cantonese soy sauce chicken and a dish that was popular in '80s and '90s in China, Coca Cola wings. Instead of poaching the chicken like is traditional in soy sauce chicken, you'll get the soy-marinated chicken slightly crispy and perfectly tender in the air fryer. Then you'll use the reserved marinade, along with some Coke, to make a sticky, sweetish sauce.

Try serving these with some perfectly cooked white rice or a garlicky green to make a full hearty meal that will become a new weeknight staple. Gave it a try? Let us know how it came out in the comments below!

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Ingredients

2 lb.
chicken drumsticks (about 8)
6 Tbsp.
soy sauce
3
cloves garlic, grated
1 1/2 tsp.
fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp.
Chinese five-spice or ground cinnamon
Tbsp.
honey
2/3 cup
Coca-Cola
Sliced scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, and toasted sesame seeds, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1In a large bowl combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, five spice, and honey. Add the drumsticks and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the fridge.
2. Step 2Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour, turning the chicken halfway through.
3. Step 3Preheat air fryer to 380º. Working in batches if necessary, add drumsticks to the air fryer, making sure to avoid overcrowding in the basket and to reserve the remaining marinade. Air fry for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4While the chicken cooks, transfer the marinade to a small saucepan and add Coca-cola and place over high heat. Bring to a boil. then reduce heat to medium-low and reduce until sauce is thickened and coats the back of a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer sauce to a large heat proof bowl.
5. Step 5Brush drumsticks all over with reduced sauce, flip them and continue to air fry until an instant thermometer registers 165º, an additional 7 to 10 minutes.
6. Step 6Transfer cooked drumsticks to the sauce and toss to coat. Top with scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds and serve.