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These air fryer apricot glazed chicken drumsticks come out juicy and tender with a sticky sweet and spicy coating that is always a crowd pleaser at my house. They are quick enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve when friends come over.
My family loves how finger licking good these drumsticks turn out and they have become my go to when I want something that tastes extra without the extra work. I first tried apricot glaze when we ran out of barbecue sauce and now it is a regular favorite.
Ingredients
- Skinless chicken drumsticks: choose fresh with pink flesh and no strong odor for best results
- Garlic powder: brings aromatic flavor and saves time
- Salt: enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness
- Ground black pepper: adds a gentle heat and depth
- Apricot preserves: give the glaze its fruity sweet backbone look for ones without added corn syrup
- Red chili flakes: add a kick and can be increased or decreased to taste
- Soy sauce: provides umami and rounds out the sweetness select low sodium if preferred
- Dijon mustard: adds tang and balances the fruitiness choose a smooth consistency for easier mixing
- Fresh parsley: offers a burst of color and freshness snip it just before serving for bright flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pat and Season:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels until all surface moisture is gone. This helps the skin crisp and is key for even seasoning. Sprinkle salt garlic powder and pepper evenly over all sides of the drumsticks and press the seasoning in with your hands.
- Air Fry in Batches:
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket allowing a little space between each piece. Cook at three hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes then flip them over using tongs and return to air fry for another ten to fifteen minutes until golden with an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees.
- Make the Apricot Glaze:
- While the chicken cooks combine apricot preserves red chili flakes soy sauce and Dijon mustard in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously while simmering for three to five minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and smells sweetly fragrant. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- Glaze and Finish:
- Remove the cooked chicken and generously brush or spoon the sticky glaze onto each drumstick coating all sides. Place the coated drumsticks back in the air fryer and cook for two minutes at three hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit so the glaze sets and becomes glossy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the finished glazed drumsticks to a plate and scatter with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while the glaze is sticky and the chicken is hot.
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The apricot glaze is my secret touch it never fails to impress both kids and adults and it brings back memories of my grandmother always topping roasted meats with her own homemade fruit preserves
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat use the air fryer for about five minutes at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit to restore crispness. You can also freeze the cooked drumsticks for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use bone in skin on chicken thighs or wings for variety adjusting cook time as needed. Any favorite preserve like orange mango or even blackberry can stand in for apricot. If you want a soy free version use coconut aminos or just add a pinch more salt.
Serving Suggestions
These drumsticks pair well with rice or a crusty baguette to mop up the glaze. Add a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a complete plate. For parties pile them on a platter with toothpicks as a sweet spicy appetizer.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Glazing meats with fruit preserves is a tradition in many cuisines especially for celebratory dishes. Apricot preserves originated in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions where stone fruit grows abundantly and their sweetness is a perfect contrast to savory roasted meats.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use bone-in thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs can be substituted. Adjust cooking times to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
- → What sides pair well with these chicken drumsticks?
Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.
- → Can I substitute the apricot preserves?
Absolutely. Try orange, peach, or even blackberry preserves for a different fruity glaze.
- → Is preheating the air fryer necessary?
Some air fryers need preheating. Check your appliance manual and adjust as needed for best results.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when a digital thermometer reads 165°F. Juices should also run clear when pierced.
- → Can I make the glaze less spicy?
Of course. Omit or reduce the red chili flakes to achieve a milder flavor profile.