These air fryer chicken legs are incredibly juicy on the inside, with a crispy, seasoned skin that’s absolutely irresistible. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Whether you’re new to air fryers or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. My air fryer is my kitchen MVP, and recipes like this one make it worth every penny!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how this recipe comes together with everyday pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 chicken legs
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Why These Ingredients Work
- Brown sugar balances savory spices and helps caramelize the skin.
- Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that mimics outdoor grilling.
- Cayenne pepper is optional but adds a flavorful kick that’s not overpowering.
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s juicy, crispy, and full of flavor:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy skin we all love.
- Season the Chicken: In a large zip-top bag, combine all the dry ingredients. Add the chicken legs and vegetable oil, then seal the bag and shake until everything is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator—overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Cook the Chicken Legs: Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air to circulate. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is between 165°F and 185°F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Removing surface moisture helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispy skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air circulation is key to even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, an instant-read thermometer is your best friend.
- Add Sauce If Desired: While this recipe doesn’t require sauce, you can brush on your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
FAQs for Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
Cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through. For smaller drumsticks, aim for 18 minutes, while larger ones may need up to 22 minutes. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
To achieve crispy chicken:
– Pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning.
– Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation.
– Lightly coat the chicken with oil to enhance crispiness.
Yes! Raw chicken cooks beautifully in the air fryer. Just ensure it’s fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
This recipe uses vegetable oil in the seasoning mix, but you can also lightly spray the chicken with oil for extra crispiness. Avoid over-spraying, as too much oil can make the skin soggy.
For this recipe, flour isn’t necessary. The spice blend provides plenty of flavor and crispiness. If you prefer a breaded texture, you can lightly dredge the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs before air frying.
Avoid aerosol cooking sprays that contain propellants, as these can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating. Use pure oils like avocado, olive, or vegetable oil in a refillable spritzer bottle.
Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Air fry frozen chicken legs at 380°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I double the recipe and cook more chicken legs at once?
You can double the recipe, but avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Love this recipe? Check out these other air fryer favorites:
- Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Pair These Chicken Legs with Delicious Sides
These air fryer chicken legs pair perfectly with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Creamy coleslaw
- Cornbread muffins
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Enjoy your perfectly crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken legs! Let us know how they turned out in the comments below.
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Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 chicken legs 1x
Description
These air fryer chicken legs are incredibly juicy on the inside, with a crispy, seasoned skin that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine all the dry ingredients. Add the chicken legs and vegetable oil, then seal the bag and shake until everything is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature is between 165°F and 185°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken legs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken legs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe