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My kids always fight over who gets the chicken legs. With this Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe, I can whip up a few batches and keep everyone happy! The bold flavor and crispy air-fried skin are totally unbeatable.
A Reader’s Review
Best chicken ever and so easy.
Crispy, Juicy, Totally Addictive- Here’s Why!
- Crispy, juicy perfection: The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the skin! You won’t have any soggy spots or dry meat with this recipe.
- Frees up your oven: By using the air fryer for the chicken, you keep your oven open for sides like Funeral Potatoes or potato wedges.
- Bad Weather? Get that grilled-like finish without stepping outside! The air fryer does the work in a fraction of the time, and you don’t even have to worry about the weather!
Ingredients Needed
- Can I use wings or thighs? Yes, you can. However, cooking times will vary. Wings cook faster while thighs will take slightly longer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Air fryer chicken legs are as simple as seasoning the chicken and pushing a couple of buttons! You get that irresistible crispy skin without deep frying. They’re delicious, fast, and mostly guilt-free.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken legs with a paper towel to dry, then add them to a medium-sized bowl.
- Make Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the olive oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasonings, and toss until fully coated.
- Cook: Place the chicken legs in the basket of the air fryer, then cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes and continue to cook for 7-8 more minutes until no longer pink and the internal temperature is 165°F.
Tips for Air Fryer Drumsticks
- Know Your Air Fryer: Temps and cook times vary by model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Leave space between legs so air circulates and crisps evenly.
- Let It Rest: Resting locks in juices and keeps the meat tender. Even just a few minutes makes a big difference.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3–4 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm them up in the microwave or pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive that crispy skin.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Legs
If you’re looking to make this a complete meal, these crispy chicken legs would be perfect served with Beans, Corn Casserole, Brussels sprouts, or Potatoes. Here are a few more ideas.
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken legs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Pat 4-6 chicken legs with a paper towel to dry. Add them to a medium-sized bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasonings, and toss until fully coated.
- Place the chicken legs in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes and continue to cook for 7-8 more minutes until no longer pink and the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I was a little perplexed by the instructions that talk about putting the chicken legs skin side down. There is no side which is not a skin side on a chicken leg.
Perfect! These are so tasty and live!
Thanks…..went over great with new company ❤️
Delicious. Followed recipe as is and family enjoyed it. Will make again. Thank you.
I used this recipe, only I used a quarter cup evoo and your seasonings for A marinade.Mixed it all together and let it sit in a ziplock for 3 hours.Sorry but I put it outside on the grill because temps are to hot here to cook inside.Absolutely the best chicken I ever cooked on a grill! Doing this again.
Easy and delicious. I’ll be making again!
Delicious and super easy! Thank you! I almost added garlic, because I just think chicken needs garlic….but I held myself back. It was still great and didn’t even miss the garlic.
Best chicken ever and so easy.
Tried this tonight. So delicious!!
Lovely recipe – Even my teeth were sweating after the pepper on the skin. Very tasty
Did not care for the flavor profile at all. The brown sugar with everything else was just weird
My 8 yr old son loved them! I made them exactly as the recipe stated. I have an Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer/Toaster Oven.
How do i air fry the drumsticks without all that just my regular seasonings. How long should i cook them and at wat temp.
You can follow these same cooking instructions, just add your own seasonings instead!
Don’t use olive oil. It has a low smoke and is expensive. Instead use vegetable or corn oil.