Pomegranate Chicken Recipe (air fryer drumsticks)

Name: Pomegranate Chicken Recipe (Air Fryer Drumsticks)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 5 drumsticks (approx. 0.5 kg); 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon Aleppo Pepper (Or substitute 1/2 tsp chilli flakes)

4.89 from 18 ratings

by Amina Al-Saigh on Feb 20, 2024

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Think sweet, tangy and spicy glazed juicy drumsticks. That’s what this pomegranate chicken recipe tastes like! It’s unlike any other chicken recipe because of that “secret sauce”… literally. Pomegranate molasses. And by the way, this is an air fryer drumsticks recipe that comes together so quickly!

Chicken drumsticks glazed in pomegranate sauce served on a plate

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Pomegranate and Chicken

My obsession with pomegranate molasses naturally led me to experiment with it as a glaze. If you didn’t know, pomegranate molasses is a common ingredient used in a lot of Iraqi recipes to add that extra tang, like in this okra stew or even this lahm bi ajeen flatbread.

The tangy and slightly sweet taste of the molasses, together with a bit of a kick from the Aleppo pepper and the garlic make magic. It’s a really easy glaze to throw together too, which is why it’s become a favourite. Then you can cook them in the air fryer which is a lot faster than baking.

This is a great recipe to serve with a bulgur salad or fattoush salad, or even some vermicelli rice.

I also use a pomegranate glaze for these air fryer chicken wings which are a must try, after you make these drumsticks.

Ingredients you will need

The main “unusual” ingredient here is the pomegranate molasses. Look for it at your local Middle Eastern shop, Amazon (although its very overpriced on there!), or in some supermarkets in the international aisle.

As for Aleppo Pepper, you can also find it at your local Middle Eastern store. It has half the kick of your regular chilli flakes but also a deep earthy flavour that enhances the recipe in my opinion. But if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with chilli flakes – but half the amount.

How to make pomegranate chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

First, start by crushing the garlic and mixing together your marinade ingredients and incorporating them well.

Pomegranate marinade in a bowl with a spoon inside

Next, marinate the drumsticks and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight (even better). You can skip the fridge part if you’re in a hurry but it definitely enhances the flavour.

Air fry them at 380F for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 165F. Don’t discard some of the marinade that stays in the plate. Halfway through the cooking time, brush some of the remaining glaze onto the chicken then continue cooking. A meat thermometer comes in handy when cooking chicken, but if you don’t have one, ensure the inside is white and the juices run clear.

You can also bake them at 400F for 30-45 minutes, depending on your oven. Again, make sure they are cooked inside. That’s it!

FAQs and Expert Tips

How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?

Air fryers vary slightly, but generally speaking, they should take about 15-18 minutes at 380F. They cook a lot faster in the air fryer vs. the oven.

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw chicken in an air fryer.

Can you substitute pomegranate molasses?

In this recipe, no you can’t since it’s a core ingredient.

Is pomegranate syrup the same as pomegranate molasses?

Yes, it’s the same product, which is reduced pomegranate juice, sometimes mixed with some sugar.

Can I bake these drumsticks instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them at 400F for 35-40 minutes depending on your oven.

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4.89 from 18 ratings