Air Fryer BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks (The Best Chicken Legs!!)
Air fryer BBQ bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks is the easy chicken recipe you didn't know you were missing out on! A double dose of BBQ flavor from a zesty BBQ chicken rub and savory BBQ sauce makes these chicken legs better than any you've tried before!
1lbchicken drumsticks(about 4 chicken legs per pound)
½tablespoonolive oil(extra virgin)
1tablespoonBBQ chicken rub(see recipe or use your favorite brand)
8slicesbacon(I use about 2 slices bacon per drumstick)
⅓cupBBQ sauce
½teaspoonliquid smoke(optional)
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Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
Pat your chicken legs dry and trim any excess fat or skin as needed. Brush olive oil onto the drumsticks then season liberally with BBQ chicken rub and massage it into the chicken.
Holding the end of a strip of bacon against the chicken leg, wrap two slices of bacon firmly around each of the drumsticks. Place each bacon wrapped drumstick onto a plate, tray, or cutting board until they're all wrapped then transfer into your preheated air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer with some space for air circulation between each.
Mix the bbq sauce and liquid smoke together then brush over the chicken legs then air fry for 7-8 minutes. Flip the bacon wrapped chicken drumsticks and brush the smoky bbq sauce on the reverse side of the legs and continue air frying for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the bacon is crisped.
Check the internal temperature of the thickest portion of your chicken for doneness, it should be at least 165°F (74°C). If needed, return the chicken legs for an additional minute or two to finish. *Particularly large chicken drumsticks may need the extra cooking time.
Remove from your air fryer when done and serve immediately.