Air-Fried Chicken Legs: A Healthy Frying Alternative?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They can cook food quickly and make it crispy without the need for deep-frying in oil. So, can you fry chicken legs in an air fryer? The short answer is yes! Chicken legs are a forgiving meat when it comes to air frying, and you can easily get juicy meat with a crispy skin.

How long to cook chicken legs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken legs in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how long to cook them for, depending on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of the air fryer.

First, preheat your air fryer. You can cook chicken legs in an air fryer in a number of ways, but the most common method is to use the ""air fry" setting at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time. Smaller chicken legs will be closer to 18 minutes, while larger chicken legs will be closer to 22 minutes.

You can also cook chicken legs in an air fryer at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. If you are using bone-in chicken legs, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

It is recommended that you use an instant-read kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken legs is at least 165°F.

What ingredients do you need to fry chicken legs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry chicken legs in an air fryer. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to fry chicken legs in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken legs: Look for chicken legs with the skin on in the meat section of your grocery store. You can usually find packs of just chicken drumsticks near the other chicken parts.
• Paprika: Adds flavour and colour to the drumsticks.
• Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of seasoning to go right on top.
• Brown sugar: Adds a little caramelisation and sweetness to each leg.
• Salt and pepper: Add to taste.
• Oil: You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or canola oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and gives it a nice crisp skin once air-fried.
• Other seasonings: You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, chili powder, or ground black pepper.

Optional Ingredients:

• BBQ sauce: If you want to add a sauce to your chicken, you can brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Dipping sauces: You can also reserve sauces for dipping, such as ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or your favourite Asian sauce.

Tools:

• Air fryer
• Stainless steel locking tongs
• Non-stick grill pan accessory
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer parchment liners

Steps:

• Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel.
• Place the chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine your seasonings.
• Add the oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasonings, tossing until fully coated.
• Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
• Cook at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to prepare chicken legs for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare chicken legs in an air fryer:

• Chicken legs (about 2 pounds or 4-6 pieces)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Spices and seasonings (such as paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, etc.)
• Optional: BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or your favourite marinade

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare the Chicken Legs: Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess moisture from the skin, which will help the oil and seasonings stick better.
• Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine your choice of spices and seasonings. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder to make the chicken extra crispy.
• Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with olive oil or vegetable oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until fully coated. You can also place the chicken and seasonings in a large zip-top bag and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The preheating step is important to ensure the chicken gets crispy while staying juicy.
• Cook the Chicken Legs: Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, being careful to arrange them in a single layer with some space between each leg. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly. For best results, use an air fryer with a fry" setting.
• Flip and Cook Again: Depending on the size of your chicken legs, cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping the legs halfway through. Smaller chicken legs will take closer to 18 minutes, while larger ones will take up to 22 minutes.
• Check the Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the recommended safe temperature for cooked chicken.
• Add Sauce (Optional): If desired, you can add sauce to your chicken legs during the last 2-5 minutes of cooking. BBQ sauce or honey mustard are great options.
• Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.

Tips and Variations

• You can experiment with different spice blends, such as Cajun, Italian, or curry.
• For a crispier exterior, cook the chicken legs with the skin on.
• If you're short on time, you can cook the chicken legs straight away after coating them with oil and seasonings. However, for more flavourful chicken, let the seasoned chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or even overnight.
• Always preheat your air fryer and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• If you're cooking for a larger group, you may need to cook the chicken legs in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer.

What to serve with air-fried chicken legs

There are several side dishes that can be served with air-fried chicken legs. Here are some ideas:

For a Quick Weeknight Dinner:

• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer sweet potatoes
• Air fryer tater tots
• Texas Toast
• Salad

If You Have More Time:

• Acorn squash
• Mac and cheese
• Potato wedges
• Funeral potatoes
• Beans
• Corn casserole
• Brussel sprouts
• Potatoes

For a Classic Potluck:

• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Roasted veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes)

How to store leftover air-fried chicken legs

If you have leftover air-fried chicken legs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-8 minutes, or warm them up in the microwave or on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F.

You can also freeze your leftover chicken legs. To do this, store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently asked questions