Making Air Fryer Chicken Legs is a quick and easy way to get crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying. The air fryer helps lock in moisture while giving the skin that perfect crispy texture. Here’s a simple recipe to make Air Fryer Chicken Legs!
Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs (drumsticks), skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken Legs:
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture (this helps the skin become crispy).
- Drizzle the chicken legs with olive oil and rub them evenly over the skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto each chicken leg, coating them well.
- Air Fry the Chicken Legs:
- Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s a little space between each leg for air circulation.
- Cook the chicken legs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and your air fryer model.
- Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
- Crisp Up the Skin:
- If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can increase the temperature to 410°F (210°C) for the last 3-5 minutes, or cook for a little longer until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken legs with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- For dipping, you can add a side of ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
This Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe is super easy and results in crispy, juicy chicken with minimal oil. Enjoy! Let me know how they turn out!