Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

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.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Servings Servings

Calories 367

Protein 35

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

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.

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.