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Easy Dinners

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fryer chicken has revolutionized the way we enjoy chicken legs. These chicken legs are crispy and flavorful with a fraction of the oil.

  • Prep15 min
  • Cook18 min
  • Total33 min
  • Serves6

Published 6 Jun 2023

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crispy chicken legs stacked on a white plate

Air Fryer Chicken Legsare a fantastic option for those who want a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. Not only do they offer a crispy exterior, but they also retain the juicy goodness within.

I love using the air fryer in my cooking routines. They make food taste delicious, they are quick and the clean-up is basically non-existent. Benefits all around.

crispy chicken legs stacked on a white plate

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fryers are specifically designed to provide a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they excel at cooking chicken legs to perfection.Air fryers use powerful circulating hot air, which cooks the chicken legs faster than traditional ovens. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken legs cook evenly and efficiently.

I love using an air fryer because of the consistent heat distribution that allows the legs to cook evenly from all sides. This results in a uniform and crispy exterior.

Air fryers typically come with a non-stick basket, making cleanup a breeze. Unlike deep frying, you won’t have to deal with messy oil splatters or a greasy kitchen.

air fryer with four crispy chicken legs

Ingredients

  • Chicken legs drumsticks
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and Pepper

Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.

Recipe Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes. This ensures that it’s nice and hot for optimal cooking.
  2. Prepare the drumsticks: While the air fryer basket is preheating, take a large bowl and combine all the ingredients. Use your hands or a large spoon to thoroughly coat the drumsticks in the flavorful spices. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum taste.
  3. Load the drumsticks: Once the air fryer has preheated, carefully place the seasoned drumsticks into the basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can usually fit around 4 drumsticks.
  4. Cook to perfection: Set the cooking time to 18 minutes. However, it’s essential to ensure the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, piercing the thickest part of a drumstick. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
  5. Serve and savor: Once the drumsticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for a few minutes to retain their juiciness. Then, it’s time to serve and enjoy your crispy and delicious air fryer chicken legs!
raw chicken leg ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken legs?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken legs in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It’s recommended to thaw the chicken legs before cooking for more even results.

Do I need to flip the chicken legs while cooking?

For the best outcome, it’s advisable to flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking process. This helps ensure even browning and crispy texture on all sides.

What should I serve with air fryer chicken legs?

You can serve a variety of side dishes like corn on the cob, coleslaw, potatoes or roasted vegetables.

close up of air fryer chicken legs and their crispy brown skin

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Chicken legs in the air fryeroffer a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken without compromising on taste and texture. With their crispy exterior and juicy interior, these drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer’s quick cooking time, even heat distribution, and easy cleanup make it the perfect tool for preparing this delicious dish.