Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

😋 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.

• 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.

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

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