Place each drumstick on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit lengthwise along the meaty portion of the drumstick toward the bone. Make additional cuts to the left and right to open the meat away from the bone. Use your fingers to spread the chicken outward, creating a flatter, butterflied drumstick.

Place the butterflied drumsticks in a bowl. Add:1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil Massage the seasonings thoroughly into the chicken, making sure you get seasoning into the cuts and exposed meat.

Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket or an air fryer-safe dish with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for approximately 15 minutes, turning as needed. Conventional oven: Bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes, or until completely cooked through.

Because drumstick size varies, use temperature rather than time alone to determine doneness. The thickest part of the chicken should reach at least 165°F, without touching the bone when checking.

While the chicken cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over very low heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant. Don't let the heat get too high because you don't want the garlic or butter to burn.

Add:3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons chili oil. Stir everything together. Allow the sauce to gently bubble for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly.

Add the cooked butterfly drumsticks directly to the skillet. Turn each piece several times, spooning the sauce and garlic over the chicken until every surface is thoroughly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the chicken.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the sauce is glossy. These would be great with steamed white rice, fried rice, warm pita bread, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes.