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Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 28-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://kitchenofsimon.com/air-fryer-chicken-legs-recipe/