Air-Fryer Chicken Legs: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Chicken legs are a forgiving meat when it comes to air frying. The circulating air in the fryer creates a succulent, crispy outside and tender, juicy meat inside. The key to achieving this is to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This can be achieved in 18-22 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken legs.

There are many different ways to season your chicken legs, but a simple blend of everyday ingredients such as brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne will create a nice barbecue flavour.

Seasoning and spices

There are many different spices and seasonings you can use for air fryer chicken legs. A simple blend of everyday ingredients will do the trick, such as brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick to the chicken and give it a nice crisp skin.

If you want to add a little kick to your chicken legs, you can include spices such as cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika. For a sweeter taste, add some dark brown sugar, which is richer in flavour than regular brown sugar and has more molasses. This makes the chicken caramelize more easily and gives it a delightful flavour. You can also add Italian seasoning, which is a perfect blend of savoury and sweet.

Other seasonings you can use include dry mustard powder, which adds a hint of tang to the chicken, and classic salt and pepper. If you want to get creative, you can try a Cajun, Italian, or curry seasoning blend. You can even make your own blend by mixing chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ground mustard, and celery seed.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding a sauce to your chicken legs. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or your favourite Asian sauce are all great options. However, if you want the full flavour of the spices and seasonings, it's best to leave out the sauce.

Cooking time and temperature

Chicken legs can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken legs, the number of chicken legs, and the model of the air fryer. The cooking temperature should be set between 380°F and 400°F.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at the desired temperature before adding the chicken legs. The chicken legs should be cooked for 18 to 20 minutes at 380°F, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Smaller chicken legs will take closer to 18 minutes, while larger ones will take up to 22 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should be used to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F. The temperature can be increased to 400°F for the final minutes of cooking if the chicken legs are not browning sufficiently.

Alternatively, the air fryer can be preheated to 400°F and the chicken legs cooked for 10 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 7 to 10 minutes at the same temperature. The chicken is ready when it is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For even cooking and to avoid overcrowding, it is important to arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each leg. Bone-in and skin-on chicken legs are recommended for juicier meat and crispier skin.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

• Chicken legs (about 2 pounds)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Dry mustard powder (optional)

Method

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Start by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and placing them in a medium-sized bowl.

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your spices and seasoning: paprika, salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you want a little kick). You can also add Italian seasoning and dry mustard powder for extra flavour.

Next, add olive oil to the bowl of chicken, and then sprinkle with the seasoning mix, tossing until the chicken is fully coated.

Place the chicken legs into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other.

Cook at 380-400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken legs and continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Oil and sauces

Chicken legs can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditionally fried chicken. The oil used is primarily to help the seasoning stick to the chicken and give it a nice crisp skin. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other options include vegetable or corn oil. The amount of oil used is generally small—for instance, one recipe calls for two tablespoons of olive oil for four to six chicken legs.

Chicken legs cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of sauces. While the legs can be cooked without sauce, some recipes suggest adding BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. Other sauces, such as ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or Asian sauces, are better as dipping sauces.

Serving suggestions

Chicken legs cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some suggestions:

Side Dishes

• Beans
• Corn Casserole
• Brussel Sprouts
• Potato Wedges
• Funeral Potatoes
• Arugula Salad
• Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
• Coleslaw
• Sweet Potato Salad
• Healthy Potato Salad
• Pesto Potato Salad
• Roasted Broccoli
• Roasted Cauliflower
• Roasted Potatoes
• Acorn Squash
• Velveeta Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Texas Toast

Sauces

• BBQ Sauce
• Honey Mustard
• Ranch
• Hot Sauce
• Cheese Sauce
• YUM YUM Sauce
• Asian Sauce

Other Suggestions

Chicken legs cooked in an air fryer can also be used in other dishes such as salads or pasta. For example, you could pull the meat off the bone and add it to a spinach strawberry salad or a pasta dish.

Frequently asked questions