Golden Juicy Braised Chicken Drumsticks with Soy Sauce (Air Fryer Method)
Restaurant-Quality at Home! Easy Air Fryer Soy-Braised Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Make impressive chicken drumsticks for your home parties or special occasions with an air fryer. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – golden, flavorful chicken drumsticks are ready in a flash! Enjoy the best taste with simple ingredients and an easy process.
Main Ingredients
- 5 chicken drumsticks
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (or mirin/sake)
- Pinch of coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (or mirin/sake)
- Pinch of coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the chicken drumsticks under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Make 2-3 slits on both sides of each drumstick; this helps the marinade penetrate better and cooks them more evenly. In a bowl, combine the drumsticks with minced garlic (1 Tbsp), cooking wine (2 Tbsp), and a pinch of coarse salt. Mix well to marinate. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 15 minutes. This initial fry helps to crisp up the skin.
Step 3
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the drumsticks and flip them over so the other side faces up. Return them to the air fryer and continue to cook at 180°C (350°F) for another 15 minutes. A total of 30 minutes of air frying will result in nicely browned drumsticks.
Step 4
The chicken drumsticks, after 30 minutes of air frying, are browned and cooked through but are ready to be coated in the braising sauce.
Step 5
In a small pot or pan, combine all the braising sauce ingredients: soy sauce (2 Tbsp), cooking wine (1 Tbsp), plum extract (1 Tbsp), and ginger syrup (1/3 Tbsp). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
Step 6
Turn off the heat for the braising sauce. Add the air-fried drumsticks to the sauce. Gently toss and stir the drumsticks in the sauce until they are evenly coated. This step infuses the chicken with the delicious soy glaze.
Step 7
Behold! Your beautifully glazed, glossy chicken drumsticks are ready. Serve them warm for a delightful experience of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. This dish is a fantastic addition to any home party menu!
