Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy drumsticks coated in a sweet-savory glaze, roasted alongside tender asparagus for a quick dinner. This american-inspired air fryer ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Pat 1.2 pounds chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place in a shallow dish. Pour the glaze over the drumsticks, turning to coat evenly, and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the marinated drumsticks and 1 cup trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
  3. Step 3: Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket gently, then cook for 5-7 more minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Asparagus?

American air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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