Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick and simple way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of deep frying. This recipe uses a blend of spices and a touch of baking powder to achieve perfectly crispy skin every time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (approx. 1 lb)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5-6 minutes for best results.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, salt, and baking powder.
3. Step 3: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, then coat them evenly with olive oil on all sides.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto the chicken legs, rubbing gently to coat them thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken legs over, then cook for an additional 6-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned.
7. Step 7: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F. For juicier and more flavorful legs, you can cook them to 185-195°F. If needed, return them to the air fryer for 2-5 more minutes.
8. Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken legs!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is very dry before applying oil and spices.
• Try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• If you don’t have baking powder, you can omit it, but the skin might be slightly less crispy.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in an oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen chicken legs in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken legs, but increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes and check the internal temperature carefully to ensure they are fully cooked.

What is the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?

Baking powder helps to draw moisture from the skin and creates a crispier, more textured exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 28-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken legs seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and a touch of baking powder for extra crispiness. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crisp skin, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Legs

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (approx. 1 lb)

Seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5-6 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, salt, and baking powder. This seasoning mix will add flavor and enhance the crispiness of the chicken skin.
3. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks on a clean plate and pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Coat each drumstick evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
4. Season the chicken: Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto the chicken legs, rubbing it in thoroughly to ensure every part is coated for maximum flavor.
5. Initial cooking: Arrange the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes without overcrowding for optimal airflow and crisping.
6. Flip and cook further: Using tongs, carefully flip each chicken leg and continue cooking at 400°F for an additional 6-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned to your liking.
7. Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). For a more pronounced flavor and texture, some prefer cooking chicken legs to an internal temperature between 185-195°F (85-90°C). If needed, cook for an extra 2-5 minutes to reach desired doneness.
8. Serve: Remove chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, juicy chicken legs fresh from the air fryer.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry is essential to achieving crispy skin.
• Baking powder in the seasoning mix helps create extra crispiness on the skin.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Adjust seasoning quantities to taste if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer chicken legs, crispy chicken drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, air fryer recipes