RIBENA is an iconic brand that needs no introduction. The refreshing blackcurrant flavour is perfect for Singapore’s humid weather and well-loved by all ages. Did we mention that Ribena is rich in Vitamin C too? It is an ingredient that you can use in your daily recipes!
The Ribena Air Fried Chicken Drumettes recipe is the first of our 4-part Ribena recipe series. Do stay tuned and follow us on our social media for the upcoming recipes!
Our drumettes, are perfect for movie nights or as a quick snack. Coated with our very own Ribena sauce that contains a balance of sweet, savory, tangy and spicy flavors, you cannot stop at just one!
Enjoy fuss-free cooking using the air fryer with this recipe!
If you enjoyed this recipe, do check out our Happiness Sweet & Sticky Chicky Wings recipe too!
These are the ingredients that you would need: fresh chicken drumettes, 2 cans of Ribena Sparkling, salt, sesame seeds, chopped coriander, Ribena Cordial, water, ketchup, brown sugar, soya sauce, smoked paprika and garlic powder.
Let’s begin!
Step 1: Brine the drumettes
In a bowl, add the drumettes, 2 cans of Ribena Sparkling, and salt. Give the ingredients a good mix.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let the drumettes brine in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
#Tip: Brining the chicken drumettes helps to flavour the meat keeping it tender and juicy. Most brines simply use water and salt, but we are using Ribena Sparkling to add a unique sweet and fruity flavor to the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Ribena Sauce
While the chicken is brining, we can prepare the sticky Ribena sauce which is the key to making these drumettes so irresistible!
In a pan, add all of the sauce ingredients. Mix them well with a spatula and bring it to a boil for 3-5 minutes or until it is thickened to the consistency of ketchup.
Set the sauce aside and let it cool.
#Tip: If you love spice, you can add more smoked paprika to the sauce.
Step 3: Air fry the brined drumettes
Pre-heat your air fryer at 180℃ for 10 minutes.
Prepare a baking dish lined with paper towels and place the brined drumettes on them. Using another paper towel, pat the drumettes dry.
Ensure that the drumettes are dry or they will not get crispy in the air fryer!

Pat fry the brined drumettes before air frying it
Using either a tong or chopsticks, place the drumettes in the air fryer basket without overlapping them. Set the timer to 9 minutes and let them air fry until golden brown.
Repeat this step until all of the drumettes have been fried.
Don’t worry if your drumettes are not fully cooked through as we will be air frying them again.
Step 4: Dip the drumettes into the sauce, air fry, and serve.
Once the drumettes are done, it is time for the second frying.
Fully coat the fried drumettes in the Ribena sauce and place them in the air fryer to cook for another 9 minutes.

Coat the drumettes evenly with Ribena sauce
This is when your kitchen will start smelling wonderful from the caramelization of the Ribena sauce!
When your drumettes are done, place them on a serving plate and sprinkle with white sesame seeds and chopped coriander. Serve hot and you are done!
These drumettes are super tasty and addictive! Thanks to the Ribena brine, they are super juicy and the closest we can describe the flavor is sweet BBQ taste with a hint of blackcurrant.
These perfectly caramelized drumettes with the special Ribena sauce is simply delicious that we wished we have made more!
- 900 g fresh chicken drumettes
- 2 cans Ribena Sparkling
- 1.5 tbsp salt
- white sesame seeds garnish
- chopped coriander garnish
- 1/2 cup ribena cordial
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup soft brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soya sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- In a deep bowl with the drumettes, pour in Ribena Sparkling and salt. Mixed thoroughly
- Cover with cling wrap and let it brine in the chiller for 2 hrs.
- Add all the sauce ingredients into a pan. Bring it to boil and cook for 3 - 5 mins until the sauce thickens to almost the consistency of ketchup.
- Preheat the air fryer at 180oC for 10 mins.
- Take the brined chicken out from the chiller. Place the drumettes on a baking dish lined with a kitchen towel. Pat dry using another kitchen towel.
- Place them in the air-fryer, do not overlap, let it fry for 9 mins till golden brown. Repeat the same steps until the batch finishes.
- Coat the fried drumettes with the Ribena sauce. Return them into the air fryer and cook it for another 9 mins till it’s fully cooked through. Repeat the same steps until the batch finishes.
- Garnish with white sesame seeds and chopped coriander. Ready to serve.
Facebook Comments