These BBQ drumsticks made in the Ninja Foodi are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of pressure cooking and air frying ensures tender meat with a crispy, caramelized exterior.
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks. You can customize the BBQ sauce to your liking, whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or tangy flavors.
Preparation of BBQ Drumsticks
Creating the perfect BBQ drumsticks begins with proper preparation. Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a crispy skin.
Next, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This spice blend will enhance the flavor of the chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. Rub this mixture evenly over the drumsticks, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
Cooking Process
The cooking process for these drumsticks is efficient and straightforward. Begin by adding a cup of water to the Ninja Foodi pot. Place the seasoned drumsticks on the rack inside the pot, then close the lid.
Set the Ninja Foodi to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. This method locks in moisture, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure to safely remove the lid.
Achieving the Perfect Crisp
After pressure cooking, it’s time to achieve that coveted crispy exterior. Carefully take the drumsticks out of the pot and discard the water. Brush each drumstick with olive oil and generously coat them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Place the drumsticks back into the Ninja Foodi basket. Set the air crisp function to 400°F and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes. Turning them halfway through ensures an even crispiness all around.
Serving Suggestions
Once the drumsticks are perfectly cooked, remove them from the Ninja Foodi and consider brushing them with extra BBQ sauce for added flavor. Serve these delicious drumsticks hot, accompanied by your favorite sides.
A classic pairing is coleslaw, which adds a refreshing crunch that complements the rich BBQ flavors. You might also want to include a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little extra sauce with their meal.
Nutrition Information
These BBQ drumsticks are not only tasty but also provide a satisfying meal. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 20 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. They are a great option for a hearty main dish without overwhelming your calorie count.
With just 8 grams of carbohydrates, they can fit well into various dietary preferences while still delivering on flavor. This makes them an excellent choice for both casual dinners and special gatherings.
Final Touches
To enhance the presentation, garnish the drumsticks with fresh parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness to the dish. The rustic wooden table setting, complete with a side of coleslaw and a bowl of BBQ sauce, creates an inviting atmosphere for any meal.
These BBQ drumsticks are sure to impress family and friends alike, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal!
Easy Ninja Foodi BBQ Drumsticks Recipe
This recipe features chicken drumsticks seasoned and coated with BBQ sauce, cooked to perfection in the Ninja Foodi. The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, and it serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the drumsticks.
- Pressure Cook: Add 1 cup of water to the Ninja Foodi pot. Place the drumsticks on the rack inside the pot. Close the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the drumsticks from the pot and discard the water.
- Air Crisp: Brush the drumsticks with olive oil and coat them with BBQ sauce. Place them back in the Ninja Foodi basket. Set the air crisp function to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the Ninja Foodi and brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 drumsticks
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g