The chicken drumsticks in this delicious dish are very tender and make your mouth water on the inside, while the skin on the outside is golden, crispy, and flavored with herbs. All made with ease in your air fryer.
We start with 8 fresh chicken legs (drumsticks). If you have frozen chicken legs, I recommend thawing them first for best results. Make sure the chicken is skin-on, as that’s where we get a ton of flavor. I like to look for good, plump chicken legs that have been cut and packaged well. And the great thing is, they’re usually very affordable!.
I think you’ll find most of the rub ingredients are already in your pantry or spice rack.
If you’re missing any of the ingredients, you can just leave it out. But you’ll get the full flavor profile with this awesome mix of ingredients.
Everyone loves a simple recipe and this one certainly fits in that category. A little olive oil should be used to cover the chicken. Then the seasoning mix should be added and mixed in well. Really, that’s it!.
Air fryers have become an extremely popular kitchen appliance for making delicious fried foods without all the excess oil. One of the most common dishes people love to make is air fryer chicken legs. When cooked properly, chicken legs come out incredibly juicy tender and packed with flavor. However, nailing the right cooking time can be tricky. Undercook them and the meat is unsafe to eat. Cook them too long and they end up dried out and tough. So how long should you air fry chicken legs to achieve the ideal texture? Let’s find out.
Factors that Determine Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that impact the total cooking time
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Size of the chicken legs – Thicker meatier drums and thighs take longer than smaller thinner pieces.
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Amount being cooked – The more chicken you add, the longer the overall cooking time since it’s harder for the hot air to circulate evenly.
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How to make it: Chicken legs that are coated in bread crumbs or sauce take a few more minutes to cook. Plain chicken cooks fastest.
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Doneness preference – Dark meat can be safely eaten at 165°F. If you prefer 170-175°F for more tender and fall-off-the-bone meat, extend cook time.
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Air fryer wattage – Lower-wattage models may need a couple extra minutes compared to more powerful air fryers.
Recommended Air Fryer Chicken Leg Cooking Times
Taking these factors into account, here are the approximate air fryer cooking times for chicken legs:
- 4-6 small drumsticks (1-1.5 lbs): 18-22 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 medium drumsticks (1.5-2 lbs): 20-25 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 large drumsticks (2-2.5 lbs): 22-28 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 small thighs (1-1.5 lbs): 15-18 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 medium thighs (1.5-2 lbs): 17-20 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 large thighs (2-2.5 lbs): 20-25 minutes at 380°F
For the best results, shake the basket every half an hour and always check the meat’s doneness by taking a temperature reading in the thickest part.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Chicken Legs
Follow this simple process for flawlessly cooked chicken legs every time:
- Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with oil or cooking spray
- Season as desired
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in air fryer basket, avoiding overlap
- Air fry at 380°F, shaking basket halfway through
- Cook until crispy outside and internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving
Tip: To get the best texture, brine the chicken legs before you air fry them. The salt solution keeps the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
Common Air Fryer Chicken Leg Mistakes to Avoid
While air frying chicken legs is super easy, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Overcrowding – Too much chicken prevents even cooking. Go for a single layer.
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Insufficient oil – A light coat of oil helps prevent drying out. Don’t skip this step.
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Flipping too often – Only flip halfway to allow even browning. Excess handling leads to sogginess.
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Incorrect temperature – The ideal range is 380-400°F. Any lower won’t crisp the skin sufficiently.
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Not preheating – Give the air fryer 3-5 minutes to fully preheat before adding food.
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Skipping rest time – Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy.
Cooking Chicken Legs to Perfection Has Never Been Easier
If you cook chicken legs in an air fryer according to these times and tips, the outside will be crispy and the inside will be juicy. Change the cooking times based on how done you want your chicken to be and how big it is. These oven-fried chicken legs are easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Instead of using a deep fryer, make air-fried chicken legs in your kitchen tonight. They will taste great and be better for you.
Air Fry at 400°(F) for 20 Minutes
Cooking the chicken couldn’t be any easier as well. Preheat your air fryer at 400°(F) for 5 minutes. When it’s ready, add the chicken legs to the basket or tray, and set to air fry at 400°(F) for 20 minutes. Turn the chicken legs a couple of times during the cooking time to assure even roasting. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°(F) when done. You can always add more time if needed.
You Might Also Like…
If you like simple, straightforward recipes like this one, give these a try.
- The best damn air-fried chicken wings are easy to season and ready in less than 30 minutes.
- This is the best damn air fryer whole chicken. You won’t believe how great a whole chicken tastes when cooked in an air fryer.
- Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas: This is the best recipe for an entire meal that you can make in your air fryer.
How I Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (what I did)
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken legs in an air fryer?
Paprika and garlic season these chicken legs for the air fryer. They only need 20 minutes to cook until the outside is crispy and the inside is juicy. Perfect for a quick, easy, and fuss-free weeknight favorite! Nicole Russell is a prolific contributor to Allrecipes and an avid member of the Allrecipes Allstars. Oops! Something went wrong.
How long do chicken legs last in an air fryer?
Place the cooked chicken legs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh for up to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the air fryer can help restore their crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the chicken legs for about 10-15 minutes.
Should you air fry chicken legs?
Here are some good reasons to air fry your chicken legs: • It’s healthier: air fryers use a lot less oil than traditional fryers, so the food has fewer calories without losing any of its flavor. Quick Cooking: Air fryers heat up quickly, significantly reducing cooking time compared to conventional ovens.
Can you open an air fryer to check chicken legs?
Yes, you can open the air fryer to check on the chicken legs. However, be cautious as opening the air fryer can cause a decrease in temperature and increase cooking time. 12. How do I clean the air fryer after cooking chicken legs?.
Can you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. However, cooking times will vary. Wings cook faster while thighs will take slightly longer. To make air fryer chicken legs, all you have to do is season the chicken and press a few buttons. The skin gets perfectly crispy without having to deep fry the chicken. They’re delicious, fast, and mostly guilt-free.
How do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Add chicken to bag with vegetable oil and shake until all the chicken is coated. Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F. Add chicken to air fryer and use air fry setting at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning chicken halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°-185° when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?
When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 180C. Lay the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 10–12 minutes until they are crispy and charred. Serve with a potato salad and green crunchy leaves.
How long to do legs in an air fryer?
- Prep: 5 mins.
- Cook: 18 mins.
- Total: 28 mins.