Miley This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs came about as an effort to get dinner on the table without heating up the oven. Little did I know it would quickly become a weeknight staple! Check out this post for more Easy Air Fryer Recipes.
Every busy weeknight, I refuse to spend more than 30 minutes on dinner until I’ve exhausted every shortcut in my kitchen arsenal.
I have not turned on my oven in weeks since discovering this method.
We have been air-frying everything we can. Because of that, I was able to perfect these crispy, juicy chicken legs for my family – minimal effort, maximum flavor, and skin so crispy you won’t believe it didn’t come from the oven.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs make weeknight cooking feel simple and rewarding.
Crispy skin: Hot circulating air turns the skin golden and crunchy.
Juicy inside: Bone in legs stay moist and tender.
Fast cooking: Dinner hits the table quickly.
Simple spices: Pantry seasonings bring big flavor.
Easy cleanup: One basket does all the work.
Family friendly: Everyone reaches for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 large bone in skin on chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- One and a half teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Chicken legs get patted dry with paper towels first. Dry skin matters because it helps crisp faster in the air fryer. Each drumstick gets placed in a large bowl so seasoning coats evenly. Taking a minute here makes a big difference later.
2. Season Thoroughly
Oil gets drizzled over the chicken and rubbed in by hand. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder get sprinkled evenly. Every leg gets turned and massaged so seasoning reaches all sides. This step builds flavor from the start.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
The air fryer heats to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating helps the skin start crisping the moment chicken hits the basket. While heating, chicken rests briefly so seasoning settles into the skin.
4. Cook the Chicken
Drumsticks get arranged in a single layer inside the basket with space between each piece. Cooking starts for 10 minutes, then legs get flipped carefully. Another 10 to 12 minutes finishes the cooking. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
5. Rest and Finish
Chicken rests for a few minutes once cooking finishes. Resting allows juices to stay inside instead of running out. Skin stays crisp while the meat settles into perfect tenderness.
Tips and Variations
- Extra crispy tip: Add two extra minutes if skin needs more crunch.
- Flavor swap: Cajun seasoning works well here.
- Heat option: A pinch of cayenne adds gentle spice.
- Oil choice: Avocado oil handles high heat nicely.
- Batch cooking: Cook in rounds to avoid overcrowding.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Chicken Legs pair easily with simple sides. Mashed potatoes soak up juices beautifully. Roasted vegetables add color and balance. A crisp salad keeps the meal light and fresh. Corn on the cob works well for casual dinners. When serving guests, a dipping sauce like honey mustard or garlic yogurt brings extra fun to the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can frozen chicken be used?
Thaw first for best texture and even cooking.
How do I know it is done?
Use a thermometer and check for 165 degrees inside.
Does skin stay crispy?
Yes, especially when chicken rests uncovered.
Can boneless legs be used?
Yes, though cooking time will shorten.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to three days in the fridge when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chicken Legs prove that simple cooking still delivers big comfort. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and easy cleanup make this recipe a repeat favorite. It fits busy nights and relaxed weekends equally well. Once this method becomes familiar, seasoning ideas can rotate endlessly. Dinner feels handled without stress, and that alone makes this recipe worth keeping close.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 large bone in skin on chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- One and a half teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and coat with oil and seasonings.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Cook legs for 10 minutes per side until done.
- Rest briefly before serving.
