This scrumptious dish features succulent chicken drumsticks that are incredibly tender and mouthwatering on the inside, while having a golden, crispy, herb-infused skin on the outside. 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. Coat the chicken with a little olive oil, add the seasoning mix, and get the chicken good and coated with everything. Really, that’s it!.
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy and convenient way to cook delicious fried foods at home. One of the most popular foods to make in an air fryer is chicken legs. Air frying chicken legs results in crispy, juicy, and flavorful drumsticks and thighs in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the oil of deep frying.
I’ll show you everything you need to know to make perfect chicken legs in an air fryer, from the very beginning to the very end.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer
There are several reasons why an air fryer is the best way to cook chicken legs:
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Healthier than frying – Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying, resulting in chicken that is lower in fat and calories. This makes it a healthier cooking method.
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Crispy skin – The hot air circulating around the chicken legs cooks them evenly and results in skin that is wonderfully crispy.
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Tender and juicy: The chicken legs get crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside.
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Quick cooking time – Chicken legs cook much faster in an air fryer than in the oven. You can have crispy chicken legs on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
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Easy cleanup – With minimal oil used, cleanup is a breeze after air frying.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fryer chicken legs every time:
Ingredients
- Chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs)
- Oil for coating (olive, avocado, vegetable, etc.)
- Seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.)
Directions
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Pat the chicken legs dry – Make sure the skin of the chicken is dried well with paper towels. Any moisture left on them will prevent the skin from getting crispy.
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Coat with oil – Place chicken legs in a bowl and drizzle over a couple tablespoons of oil Toss to coat the legs evenly This helps ensure even browning and extra crispiness,
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Season the chicken: generously sprinkle the oiled chicken legs with the spices you want to use. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is what I like to use. Massage the seasoning into the chicken.
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Preheat air fryer – Preheating is a must! Preheating helps sear the chicken skin. Preheat at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Arrange chicken legs – Place chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
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Air fry – Cook at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Rest – Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Enjoy! – Your crispy, juicy air fried chicken legs are ready to devour!
Tips and Tricks
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When cooking chicken legs in an air fryer, make sure the basket isn’t too full. This inhibits air circulation. Cook chicken in batches for even cooking.
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Brining or marinating the chicken legs before air frying helps keep the meat extra moist and tender.
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Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and doneness. Chicken legs should reach 165°F.
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For extra crispy skin, spritz a bit of oil on the chicken halfway through cooking.
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If reheating leftover chicken legs, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Flavor Variations
The great thing about air fried chicken legs is how versatile they are when it comes to flavors. After the chicken is coated in oil, try any of these easy seasoning variations:
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Lemon Garlic – Lemon pepper, garlic powder, parsley
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Jerk Spice – Jerk seasoning, allspice, brown sugar
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Italian Herb – Oregano, basil, rosemary, granulated garlic
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Barbecue – Paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin
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Buffalo – Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder
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Cajun – Cajun seasoning, oregano, garlic powder
Cooking Other Types of Chicken
While chicken legs are tailor made for the air fryer, you can cook other cuts of chicken with crispy, delicious results:
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Chicken thighs – Cook at 400°F for 18-22 minutes
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Chicken wings – Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes
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Chicken tenders – Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes
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Chicken breast – Cook at 380°F for 15-18 minutes
For all types of chicken, remember to brush or drizzle with oil before cooking, preheat properly, flip halfway, and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Serving Suggestions
To make a complete and delicious meal, air fried chicken legs pair excellently with:
- Oven fries or roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw, broccoli salad, or vinegar-based potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese or baked beans
- Buttered corn on the cob
- Warm biscuits or cornbread
- Rice pilaf or quinoa
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Allow cooked chicken legs to cool completely before storing.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Can also be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Make the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Legs Tonight!
Cooking crispy, juicy chicken legs in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to make this tasty and versatile dish tonight. Simply coat the chicken legs with oil and seasoning, pop them in your preheated air fryer, and enjoy the quick, healthier, and delicious results. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or making an easy weeknight dinner, air fryer chicken legs should be your go-to. So break out your air fryer and invite friends over to enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe. Your new favorite chicken legs await!
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.
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.
How I Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (what I did)
FAQ
How long do you cook drumsticks in the air fryer?
Air fry them for 12 minutes on the first side. After 12 minutes, flip the drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. The best way to be sure the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature inside.