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    RECIPES » Main Dish » Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

    Apr 14, 2022 · Last updated: Apr 14, 2022 by Gina · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

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    crispy air fryer chicken legs on a plate

    The whole family will enjoy this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe for a quick and easy dinner. It only takes 2 minutes to prepare before you start cooking in your air fryer.

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs on tray
    PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

    If you enjoy this air fryer chicken legs recipe, then be sure to Pin or print out my other air fryer recipes. One of the easiest recipes is crispy skin, baked potato that turns out perfect every time. If you like spicy food, then try these Buffalo Air Fryer Meatballs.  If you need a make-ahead dinner or snack idea, whip up a batch of these Easy Air fryer Frozen Taquitos.  If you have the munchies but don't want to blow your diet then make this Crispy Air Fryer Chickpea Recipe.

    Jump to:
    • 😋 Why air fryer drumsticks are so good
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🔪 Instructions for how to cook drumsticks in an air fryer
    • Safety Tip
    • ✔️ Substitutions
    • 🔀 Variations for sauces
    • 💭 Tip to save you money
    • Leftovers 🍗
    • ❓ FAQ
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe
    •  Sauce ideas

    😋 Why air fryer drumsticks are so good

    • Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer yields extra crispy skin and juicy meat inside.
    • Air frying is healthier because all the excess grease from the meat drips off down into the pan.
    • It takes only 2 minutes to prep these chicken legs before you put them in your air fryer! 
    • Drumsticks are a great chicken dinner. If you have kids who are picky eaters, this recipe will be a hit for sure.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you will typically keep on hand in your pantry. The spices are mild but could easily be made spicy.

    salt and pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika and chicken legs
    • Chicken legs: My air fryer will hold 6 medium size legs. However, there are different size baskets for air fryers. You might be able to get more or less in yours. The legs can touch but try to leave some room between them when cooking.
    • Olive oil: I like to use olive oil, but avocado oil, coconut, or grapeseed oil would work great also.
    • Paprika: I use smoked paprika for this recipe to give drumsticks just a hint of grilled flavor.
    • Onion and garlic powder: Be sure to use powder, not salt. 
    • Salt and black pepper to taste. I like to use fresh ground pepper sprinkled on after cooking.
    • Cayenne pepper: Add 1/2 teaspoon to the seasoning mix if you want spicy chicken legs. This is optional.

    See the recipe card for a complete list and quantities.

    🔪 Instructions for how to cook drumsticks in an air fryer

    First, blot any excess moisture from the chicken legs with a paper towel. When you pat chicken dry, it helps the olive oil and seasonings adhere.

    1. In a large-size bowl, mix up the seasoning mix. Add olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the seasoning and oil are blended well.
    air fryer chicken legs tossed in seasoning

    2. Add the drumsticks, tossing or string until the meat is evenly coated.

    raw seasoned chicken legs going into a 400 degree air fryer

    3. Place coated chicken legs in a single layer into your air fryer basket. Place chicken, so there is a bit of space between each leg. This will help the hot air rotate properly around the meat.

    4. Cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Open your air fryer and carefully flip the legs over. Return the basket to your air fryer and cook for another 12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Farinhight. It's easy to check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

    ⭐ Note: cooking time may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your air fryer. To ensure tender meat, be careful not to overcook.
    I like to use an instant read digital meat thermometer with probe.

    Safety Tip

    I like to use disposable rubber gloves when handling raw chicken parts to prevent salmonella cross-contamination.

    ✔️ Substitutions

    If you know how to make the recipe fit a certain diet, let the reader know here. Don't fake it - only provide guidance on topics you have actual experience with.

    • You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken legs for this recipe. Just be sure to add extra time for cooking the larger piece of meat. The same rule, be sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    • This could also be an air fryer chicken leg quarters recipe. Just plan on two leg quarters. The only difference is it might take a bit longer in the air fryer to reach 165 degrees F. Be sure to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh meat. Avoid bumping the bone.
    • I have used this recipe several times to make air fryer chicken wings. The cooking time is a few minutes less.

    🔀 Variations for sauces

    These drumsticks are delicious right out of the air fryer. However, this is a basic recipe that can be changed up by tossing them in a sauce after they are cooked. As soon as they are done cooking, toss them in a large bowl with one of these sauce ideas.

    • 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with 1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce. Sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes for extreme heat.
    • 1/3 cup of my Bacon Whiskey BBQ Sauce  or Spicy Orange & Coffee Barbecue Sauce
    • 1/3 ranch dressing
    • 1/3 cup Taco Bell Baja Sauce (copycat)

    💭 Tip to save you money

    If chicken legs go on sale at your grocery, pick up several packs. Then when you get home, blot your chicken legs with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps prevent freezer burn.

    Next, place 6 drumsticks, or however many your air fryer holds at one time, in a zip-lock style freezer bag. Label and put the date they need to be used.


    If you know you need a quick dinner the next day, place a bag of drumsticks in your refrigerator. Allow thawing for 24 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can always grab one bag to defrost in your microwave before cooking in your air fryer.


    Leftovers 🍗


    If you have leftovers, place the legs into an airtight container. You can use the air fryer to reheat them. For best results, reheat at 400 degrees F for just a few minutes. Be careful to remove them as soon as they are warm so you do not overcook the meat and make it tough.

    ❓ FAQ

    Are air fried chicken legs healthy?

    Using an air fryer and this recipe chicken legs are low carb. Thre is only 1 carb per chicken leg. There are 21 grams of protein per leg.

    Can you air fry leg quarters?

    Air fryer chicken leg quarters are easy to make in an air fryer. It takes less time than in an oven and yields extra crispy skin.

    How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?

    Six drumsticks in an are fryer take approximately 24 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Ferinhite.

    How long do chicken thighs take to cook in an air fryer?

    Chicken thighs cooked in an are fryer take approximately 24 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Ferinhite.

    air fried chicken legs on a plate

    Related Recipes

    • Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
    • Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
    • Make Your Own Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer
    • Crispy Air Fryer Chickpea Recipe Healthy Snack Idea

    Love a recipe you've tried? 😋 Please give it a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    🎉 Be sure and sign up to get your free Party In The Freezer Ecookbook. I'll send it right to you and keep you up to date with all that is happing on Intentional Hospitality

    Recipe

    crispy air fryer chicken legs on a plate

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe

    Gina
    The whole family will enjoy this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe for a quick and easy dinner. It only takes 2 minutes to prepare before you start cooking in your air fryer.6
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share by Email
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 24 mins
    Total Time 26 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 321 kcal

    Equipment

    Digital Meat Thermometer 

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 chicken legs
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt Salt to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Pepper to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional if you like it spicy

    Instructions
     

    • Blot any excess moisture from the chicken legs with a paper towel. When you pat chicken dry, it helps the olive oil and seasonings adhere.
    • In a large-size bowl, mix up the seasoning mix. Add olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the seasoning and oil are blended well.
    • Add the drumsticks, tossing or string until the meat is evenly coated.
    • Place coated chicken legs in a single layer into your air fryer basket. Place chicken, so there is a bit of space between each leg. This will help the hot air rotate properly around the meat.
    • Cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Open your air fryer and carefully flip the legs over. Return the basket to your air fryer and cook for another 12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Farinhight. It's easy to check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

    Notes

    ⭐ Note: cooking time may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your air fryer. To ensure tender meat, be careful not to overcook.
    I like to use an instant read digital meat thermometer with probe.

     Sauce ideas

    These drumsticks are delicious right out of the air fryer. However, this is a basic recipe that can be changed up by tossing them in a sauce after they are cooked. As soon as they are done cooking, toss them in a large bowl with one of these sauce ideas.
    • 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with 1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce. Sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes for extreme heat.
    • 1/3 cup of my Bacon Whiskey BBQ Sauce  or Spicy Orange & Coffee Barbecue Sauce
    • 1/3 ranch dressing
    • 1/3 cup Taco Bell Baja Sauce (copycat)

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 21gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 303mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 227IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
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    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    About Gina

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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    Welcome, y'all

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