Air Fryer Chicken Legs

If you love crispy, flavorful chicken without the fuss, this air fryer chicken legs recipe is your new go-to. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, it’s an easy recipe for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious and straightforward.

Why you will love this recipe

• Quick and easy: From fridge to table in just 30 minutes!
• Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist these juicy chicken legs.
• Healthier: Enjoy the crispy deliciousness of fried chicken without all the oil.
• Great any time: Great for a casual family dinner or sprucing up a weekend meal.
• Delicious: Seasoned with a blend of spices that tickle your taste buds.
• High protein: Around 35g protein per leg.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Chicken Legs: Also called chicken quarters (thigh attached to leg), skin-on, bone-in legs give you the juiciest, most flavorful result for this chicken recipe. If you prefer, you can swap for chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks for similar results.
• Black Pepper and Salt: Essential for basic seasoning. Feel free to adjust according to your taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, try regular or sweet paprika.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, aromatic touch.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder.
• Chili Powder: Gives a gentle heat. Adjust the amount to increase or decrease spiciness, or use cayenne pepper for more kick.

How to make air fryer chicken legs

1. Preheat Your air fryer: Set it to 200°C (390°F).
2. Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick and ensures crispy skin.
3. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
4. Season: Toss the chicken legs in the spice mix until they’re well coated. For an extra flavor kick, let them sit for a few minutes if you have time.
5. Pop them in the air fryer: Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No need to overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Cook: Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the legs using tongs and cook for another 15 minutes.
7. Check inside: Using a meat thermometer, make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 73°C (165°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part of the leg and make sure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
8. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps lock in the juices, making the crispy chicken legs even more succulent.
9. Enjoy: Serve hot and crispy right out of the air fryer, and enjoy!

Recipe notes and tips

• Even Cooking: For the crispiest skin, make sure the chicken legs aren’t touching each other in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate freely.
• Temperature: Investing in a good meat thermometer will take the guesswork out of cooking and ensure your chicken is perfectly safe to eat.
• Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice blend to match your taste or what you have in your pantry. Spices like cumin, coriander, or even a touch of cinnamon can add an exciting twist.
• Preheat Is Key: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer, as it ensures your chicken starts cooking at the right temperature right away, which is essential for that crispy finish.

Variations

• BBQ: Brush your chicken legs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, sweet finish.
• Asian: Use a blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic as a marinade before cooking for an Asian-inspired flavor.
• Sweet Heat: Combine honey and a dash of hot sauce for a glaze that offers a sweet kick. Brush on before the final minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish.
• Moroccan: Sprinkle a mix of cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and a pinch of allspice for a Moroccan-inspired flavor.
• Greek Style: Use dried oregano, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of feta cheese crumbles after cooking for a Mediterranean touch.
• Tex-Mex: Coat your chicken legs with a blend of taco seasoning before air frying and serve with a side of salsa and sour cream.
• Indian Curry: Before cooking, marinate the chicken in a mix of yogurt, curry powder, and a bit of lime juice for a tender and flavorful Indian-inspired dish.

Storage instructions

• Fridge: Make sure the chicken legs are completely cool to room temperature before storing them an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: To keep the skin crispy when reheating, pop the chicken legs back in the air fryer for a few minutes rather than using the microwave.
• Freeze: If you’ve got more leftovers than you can handle, freeze them! Wrapped well, they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to serve with this recipe

• Starchy Sides: french fries, potato salad, quinoa.
• Vegetable Sides: broccoli salad, grilled asparagus, carrot slaw.
• Dipping sauce: BBQ Sauce, ranch dressing, buffalo hot sauce.

Frequently asked questions