Keto Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer (Teriyaki)

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Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of keto chicken drumsticks air fryer coated in a delectable homemade teriyaki sauce. Juicy and tender drumsticks with a perfect balance of soy, garlic, and ginger, topped with sesame seeds for extra crunch.

air fried ket chicken drumsticks, with sauce on the side

Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this air fryer keto chicken drumsticks recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!

Happy frying!

Air fryer keto chicken drumsticks, recipe bite-shot, topped with sesame seeds and scallions

Ingredients

Here are all you need to make keto air fried chicken drumsticks.

  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Low sodium gluten-free soy sauce
  • Keto brown sugar substitute
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground ginger
  • Sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds

✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.

If you don’t have low-sodium and gluten-free soy sauce, don’t worry! You can substitute by mixing equal parts of soy sauce and water. For example, to get 2/3 cup of low sodium gluten-free soy sauce, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce and 1/3 cup water.

✦ Pro Tip: If you want to kick the flavors up a notch, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce before marinating the chicken legs.

Recipe Video

Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.

How to Cook Keto Chicken Legs in Air Fryer?

Cooking these keto chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is a piece of cake. This recipe is easy and convenient, perfect for home cooks and anyone new to the air fryer scene.

No more dry chicken, just delicious results.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).

Preating Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer to 400°F (204°C).

If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.

🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.

Step 2: Prepare ingredients.

Combine the low sodium gluten-free soy sauce, keto brown sugar substitute, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well to create a delicious sauce.

Add the chicken drumsticks to the sauce and toss them until they’re evenly coated. 

💡 Pro Tip: Enhance the flavor with marinating! Toss drumsticks in sauce, and let them sit for 30 mins or overnight. This tenderizes meat for juicier, succulent keto air fryer chicken legs.

Step 3: Air fry keto chicken drumsticks at 400ºF (204ºC) for 16 – 20 minutes.

Place the chicken legs in the air fryer and arrange them in a single layer.  Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Air fry the chicken legs at 400ºF (204ºC) for 10 – 12 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks over using silicone tongs. Brush the remaining sauce onto the chicken to add more flavor.

Continue air frying for another 6 – 8 minutes until the drumsticks are cooked and coated with a rich, flavorful glaze.

Check that the chicken is fully cooked using a meat thermometer. It should read 165ºF (74ºC) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

air fried ket chicken drumsticks, with sauce on the side

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken drumsticks to add a delightful crunch. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Pro Tip: Apart from sesame seeds, you can also top the keto chicken legs with chopped scallions.

That’s how you make an keto air fried chicken drumsticks, quick and easy!

Now, armed with your trusty air fryer and this easy-to-follow recipe, you’re all set to make some mouthwatering keto chicken drumsticks that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Happy air frying! 

What to Serve with Keto Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer?

Pair your keto chicken drumsticks with these tasty side dishes to complete your meal:

  • Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to regular rice, it soaks up the delicious sauce from the drumsticks perfectly.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Another keto-friendly option that adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
  • Asian Slaw: A tangy and crunchy slaw with an Asian-inspired dressing that complements the teriyaki flavors of the chicken legs.

Freezing & Storage

Freezing: To freeze your keto chicken drumsticks air fryer, make sure they are completely cooled. Then, place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag or airtight container. You can freeze it for 2 to 3 months.

To reheat:

Thaw your drumsticks overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes or until warmed.

Check out this frozen chicken legs recipe if you want to cook from frozen.

Fridge: Store cooked chicken legs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them with plastic. Reheat in the air fryer at 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes or until warmed to your liking.

prep time10 minutes
cooking time20 minutes
resting time30 minutes
total cooking time1 hour

Keto Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer (Teriyaki)

courseDinner
cuisineAsian
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of keto air fryer chicken drumsticks coated in a delectable homemade teriyaki sauce. Juicy and tender drumsticks with a perfect balance of soy, garlic, and ginger, topped with sesame seeds for extra crunch.
air fried ket chicken drumsticks, with sauce on the side
5 from 1 vote
number of servings2

This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.

Ingredients
 

  • 4 Chicken drumsticks
  • 2/3 cup Low sodium soy sauce gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup Sugar substitute keto
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 minutes.
  • Create a teriyaki sauce. Combine the low sodium gluten-free soy sauce, keto brown sugar substitute, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well to create a delicious sauce.
  • Add the chicken drumsticks to the sauce, and toss them until they're evenly coated. Let them sit for 30 minutes (or overnight) to marinate.
  • Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they're not overcrowded so they cook evenly.
  • Air fry the drumsticks at 400ºF (204ºC) for 16 – 20 minutes. Flip halfway, and brush the chicken with more teriyaki sauce.
  • Let the chicken legs rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken legs to add a delightful crunch.
  • Serve the keto air fried chicken drumsticks with your favorite low-carb side dishes or a fresh salad.
  • Enjoy the irresistible taste of these air-fried delights!

Notes

  • Remember that cooking durations may differ depending on the chicken’s thickness and your air fryer’s size and model. Thus, ensure it has been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) before serving.
  • If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food. 
  • You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the keto chicken drumsticks.
  • I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the keto chicken legs. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1673mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords: keto air fryer chicken legs, keto chicken drumsticks air fryer

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