Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
This crispy air fryer chicken legs recipe is a flavor-packed recipe with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe comes out with juicy meat and a delicious blend of spices every time. Plus, they're healthier than traditional frying methods!
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 367kcal
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs bone-in, skin-on (see note 1 for drumsticks)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 tespoon garlic powder
- 3/4 tespoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder more or less to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 200 degrees C/ 390 degrees F.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and place it into a large bowl.6 chicken legs
- Add all the spices to a small bowl and mix them together. Sprinkles the spices over the raw chicken and mix it well with a wooden spoon.1 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3/4 tespoon garlic powder, 3/4 tespoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Place the chicken legs into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, flip the chicken over with a pair of tongs and continue to air fry for 15 more minutes.
- Check the air-fried chicken is cooked all the way through by inserting an analog or digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the dark meat. When the thermometer reads 73°C/165°F it is ready and safe to eat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the moisture.
Notes
- Don't overcrowd: Make sure to place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Temperature check: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through to 165°F (73°C).
- Resting time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken legs even more succulent.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. More chili powder for heat, or maybe a bit of brown sugar for a sweet kick!
Storage Instructions
- Cool and airtight: Allow them to cool to room temperature before packing them away, and store the leftover chicken legs in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheat: To re-crisp the skin, reheat leftovers in the air fryer. Check out this post on How to Reheat Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer for step-by-step instructions.
Nutrition
Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg