Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.72 lbs chicken drumsticks; 2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning, or to taste; 1/4 cup peri-peri hot sauce

Butterflied chicken drumsticks are split lengthwise to expose more surface area, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness in an air fryer. Coated with Nashville hot seasoning and finished with peri-peri sauce, they stay juicy inside while developing a crispy exterior.

⚡Air Fryer

🌍American 🏷️Chicken drumsticks 🏷️Butterflied chicken 🏷️Spicy chicken Nashville hot

🏷️

🏷️Peri-peri

🏷️Air fryer recipe

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

32 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$10–$16

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

1.72 lbs chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning, or to taste
1/4 cup peri-peri hot sauce

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Using a sharp knife, cut alongside the bone of each drumstick to butterfly it, allowing the meat to be spread open.
2
Place the butterflied drumsticks on an air fryer tray.
3
Season the chicken heavily on all sides with Nashville hot chicken seasoning.
4
Place the tray in the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes.
5
Flip the drumsticks and cook for another 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and brush generously with peri-peri hot sauce.
7
Return the sauced drumsticks to the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes to set the sauce.
8
Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat drumsticks dry before butterflying and seasoning to maximize crispiness in the air fryer.
Don't skip the butterflying step—it reduces cook time by 30-40% and ensures even heat penetration compared to whole drumsticks.
Apply the spicy rub directly to meat after butterflying, then let rest 10-15 minutes before air frying so seasoning adheres.
Arrange butterflied drumsticks skin-side up in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation.

Substitutions

Nashville hot chicken seasoning → cayenne pepper + paprika + garlic powder + onion powder (adjust cayenne to taste preference)
Peri-peri sauce → sriracha mixed with lime juice, or Frank's RedHot with a touch of honey
Chicken drumsticks → chicken thighs or flattened chicken breasts (adjust cooking time to 10-12 minutes)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Equipment

air fryer · sharp chef's knife or boning knife

Common Questions

How do you butterfly a chicken drumstick?

Using a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the bone lengthwise to separate the meat, then flatten the drumstick open like a book. This exposes more surface area for even cooking and crisping.

What temperature and time for air fryer drumsticks?

Air fry butterflied drumsticks at 400°F for approximately 12-15 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.

Can you make these without an air fryer?

Yes, bake butterflied drumsticks at 425°F for 18-22 minutes on a lined baking sheet, or grill them over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes per side.

What's the difference between peri-peri and Nashville hot seasoning?

Nashville hot seasoning is a dry spice blend with cayenne and paprika, while peri-peri is a wet, tangy hot sauce made from chili peppers. Together they layer heat and flavor.

How do you know when drumsticks are done?

Drumsticks are fully cooked when they reach 165°F internally at the thickest part. The skin should be golden and crispy, and juices should run clear when pierced.