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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.
The seasonings were great. I made a buffalo sauce to brush on top. But the chicken needed to cook another 5 more minutes.
Juiciest chicken leg I’ve ever eaten.
We are having these for supper again tonight! I’m going to try it with thighs this time ? delicious and simple! We love it
We tried these last night and they are the best!! Taste and time to cook was spot on. Thank you so much!!!
I didn’t have any brown sugar on hand, so I subbed honey. Came out great! Loved the recipe. Thanks!
These were great! I made them exactly as the recipe said. Easy! Yummy! I will use this recipe OFTEN!
My hubby and I seriously have been having this minimum once a week for the last year. Great job!
That is great to hear!!
This recipe is GREAT! Your timing on the chicken is perfect! My family devoured these. Thank you!
Awesome. Added a 1/4 tsp of a great garlic seasoning, and substituted 1 tbs of maple syrup for the brown sugar I didn’t have. My daughter said they were the most delicious legs she’s ever had. I agree! Can’t wait for the leftovers tomorrow!
Delicious! Thanks so much! I have made these 4 times..they are easy and so very tasty!
I followed your exact recipe and it was excellent! This will be a keeper at our house. I have tried many of your recipes and they have all been very good, so thank you so much for sharing your great recipes.
Cooked 5 large drumsticks to your exact recipe
Perfect and delicious
I’m going to try this this evening. I normally air fry leg quarters, (legs and thighs still connected) not just legs, and I use olive oil and a seasoning called “Slap ya Mama”. But, I bought some legs on sale, and want to try something different.
That sounds interesting and fun! Let me know how it is!
DELICIOUS!!! I decided to search for a new quick air fryer recipe when I came across this one. very fast and simple recipe. Dinner was made and eaten in less than an hour. I paired with homemade coleslaw.
Delicious! I only had a small package of legs, but 5 for dinner, so I also cooked some thighs so there was enough. My fryer is small, so I did legs first, then put then in a warm oven while the thighs cooked. So easy! Thanks!
I have just found your blog and since I really enjoying cooking I thought I would follow your lead and try air fried chicken legs. I’ll let you know how they turn out
Cheers.Pete