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Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Father's Day BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Corn Ribs
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Jun 28, 2026
American
39 mins
air-fryer-friendlyfather's-daychickenbbqcornfamily-friendlyweekend-dinnersavoryeasyv2
These Air Fryer Father's Day BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Corn Ribs bring sticky barbecue flavor, crispy chicken skin, and sweet golden corn to the table without lighting a grill.
Prep
15 min
Cook
24 min
Total
39 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 3 ears corn, quartered lengthwise into corn ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
Preheat the air fryer to 380 F for 5 minutes.
-
Pat the drumsticks dry. Toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
-
Air fry the drumsticks at 380 F for 18 minutes, turning halfway through.
-
Brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce. Add the corn ribs tossed with the remaining olive oil to any open space in the basket.
-
Air fry at 390 F for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is sticky and reaches 165 F and the corn is golden at the edges.
-
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges and extra barbecue sauce.
Tips
Air Fryer Model Notes
Basket models may need two batches so the drumsticks brown instead of steam. Oven-style air fryers cook best when the tray is rotated once before saucing.
Crispiness Control
Dry the chicken well and sauce only near the end. Too much sauce too early can soften the skin and darken before the chicken is done.
Doneness Cues
The glaze should look tacky and the thickest part of each drumstick should reach 165 F. Corn ribs should curl slightly and brown at the tips.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat at 350 F for 4 to 6 minutes, then brush with a little fresh sauce before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
- Thaw them fully first so the seasoning sticks and the chicken cooks evenly.
- Can I make this without corn ribs?
- Yes. Use potato wedges, asparagus, or zucchini and keep the same saucing method for the chicken.
- When should I add the barbecue sauce?
- Add it during the final minutes so it caramelizes without burning.
- How do I know the chicken is safe?
- Use an instant-read thermometer and cook the thickest part to 165 F.
Ingredient Replacements
Use chicken thighs, wings, or boneless chicken pieces if you prefer; adjust the cook time and confirm poultry reaches 165 F. Swap corn ribs for baby potatoes, zucchini spears, or sweet potato wedges. Use smoky, spicy, honey, or sugar-free barbecue sauce to match the Father's Day menu.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350 F until hot and brush with extra sauce after reheating.
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