Meal for one

The spring weather is still cold, with a chilling breeze that hints at winter’s lingering presence, which makes it tough to enjoy the warmth often linked to this season. I felt a strong craving for spicy food to get rid of the cold, and while shopping with friends, I found drumsticks and Frank’s hot sauce on sale, which made my day much brighter. Besides that, my sister gave me two of her homegrown oranges, bursting with a sweet fragrance that reminded me of sunny days. I also have some leftovers of garlic bread from last week’s dinner, perfectly crunchy and infused with buttery garlic goodness, just waiting to complement my spicy meal.

Google: “Chicken drumsticks are one of the most popular cuts of chicken meat. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of preparations, making them a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Whether you prefer to grill, fry, or roast them, chicken drumsticks offer juicy and flavourful meat that both adults and children love.”

“Chicken drumsticks are often used as appetizers at parties or gatherings. They can be marinated with various spices and sauces, then grilled or fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This makes them perfect for dipping in various dipping sauces, like barbecue sauce or ranch dressing, and makes a tasty treat for everyone. It is also use in stews and soups. The nature of drumsticks with bone adds depth of flavour to broths when simmered slowly over low heat.”

Today, I’m using chicken drumsticks in my air fryer with a spicy orange marinade. This is my experimental recipe. I love really spicy food to satisfy my taste buds and warm me up. My drumsticks are spicy, juicy, flavourful, and delicious. Let’s get the air fryer and cook the drumsticks!!!

Ingredients

3 chicken drumsticks
spray oil

Rub for drumsticks

3 Tbs crunchy chopped garlic
2 Tbs ginger powder
1 Tbs runny honey or dark brown sugar
1 Tbs cayenne powder
1 Tbs orange juice
1/2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tsp dried oregano
1 Tsp paprika powder
1 Tsp chili powder
salt
pepper

Glaze for drumsticks

5 Tbs Frank’s hot sauce
5 Tbs orange juice
3 Tbs oil
2 Tbs chili oil

Method

Wash and pat dry drumsticks. Place chicken drumsticks in a deep plate. Use a glove to mix well the rub ingredients and rub all over the drumsticks; making sure to rub it well. Cover with cling wrap and put in to the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Bring out drumsticks from fridge, let it sit on bench top 30 minutes, to come to room temperature. Bring out air fryer. Plug on and preheat the air fryer at 200 degrees C for 5 minutes. While it’s preheating line baking tray with foil and spray oil lightly. Brush the drumsticks with the glaze all over then transfer to prepared tray. Leave space for drumsticks to get an even cook.

Bring out the air fryer cup with flat metal hole. Place tray with drumsticks in and put the cup back into the air fryer machine. Same temperature at 200 degrees C and set the time for 9 minutes undisturbed. You need to cook drumstick in batches if you are making more. Also, increase the ingredients amounts for rub and glaze.

After 9 minutes, bring out the tray with a metal food clipper. Flip them over with food clipper, brush the glaze on the drumsticks, if needed spray a bit of oil. Then cook for another 8 minutes until the skin outside is dark brown (lightly charred) and drumsticks are cooked through. Check the drumsticks to make sure it is cooked. If not fully cooked yet, cook a further 3 minutes.

When done, switch off and unplug the air fryer. Then remove the cup from the air fryer machine. Next remove the tray from the cup with a metal food clipper. Plate up on plate, spoon some glaze and chili oil over the drumsticks. Serve with garlic bread and a cold beer. Enjoy!!!

Note: You can omit cayenne powder use paprika instead. You can use Italian Dressing sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato sauce or melted butter instead of chili sauce, oil and orange juice. My friend told me it’s healthy to use avocado oil instead of olive oil. Avocado oil is expensive for me. Drumsticks can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat from the fridge, put in the air fryer at 180 degrees C for about 10-20 minutes checking occasionally until it’s warm.

Air fryer just like an oven. Air-fryer time and temperature do vary depending on the size of the air-fryer you use. Also, the thickness of drumsticks, amounts and how they are cook; check your air fryer manual on the temperature and time required. If you have food thermometer, use that to check. I cut the thickest part to check if there is any blood running down and meat is not pink.

https://helenscchin.com/2024/10/02/air-fryer-spicy-orange-drumsticks/

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