Frying Chicken Legs: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's easy to see why. They can create healthy, tasty food with minimal effort and in a short amount of time. One popular food to cook in an air fryer is chicken legs. This paragraph will discuss whether you can fry chicken legs in an air fryer, and if so, how to do it.

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:

Chicken legs can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of the air fryer.

If you are cooking at 380°F, it is recommended that you cook the chicken legs for 18-22 minutes, turning them halfway through. Smaller chicken legs will be closer to 18 minutes, while larger chicken legs will be closer to 22 minutes.

If you are cooking at 400°F, it is recommended that you cook the chicken legs for 15 minutes, turning them halfway through.

However, it is important to ensure that the chicken legs are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Some sources recommend cooking them to an internal temperature of 185°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer

• Always preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken legs. This will help to ensure crispy skin and juicy meat.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the juiciest meat and crispiest skin.
• Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture and help the oil stick better.
• Leave space between each chicken leg in the air fryer to allow for even cooking.
• Flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• You can add sauce to the chicken legs during the last 5 minutes of cooking, but this is not necessary as the seasonings will give them a nice barbecue flavor.

How to cook chicken legs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of chicken legs (about 8-10 pieces)
• 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil
• Spices: smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dry mustard powder, and/or cayenne pepper to taste
• Optional: brown sugar, salt, oregano, and/or parsley to taste

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Instant-read or meat thermometer
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush (optional)

Method

• Prepare the chicken legs: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin. This helps the oil and spices stick better and results in crispier skin. Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken legs, then toss or mix well to ensure they are completely coated.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Cook the chicken legs: Place the chicken legs inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The chicken legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Check this with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, without touching the bone.
• Rest and serve: Transfer the chicken legs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips

• Always preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken legs.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the juiciest meat and crispiest skin.
• Leave space between each chicken leg so the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
• Flip the legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are evenly browned.
• For extra crispy skin, do not overlap the drumsticks in the air fryer basket.
• You can use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the air fryer to help with cleanup, but this may increase cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

• Try different seasoning blends like Cajun, Italian, or curry.
• Add a glaze by brushing with BBQ sauce or honey mustard in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Kick up the heat by adding more cayenne pepper to the seasoning or topping with your favorite hot sauce.
• Swap whole chicken legs or quarters for drumsticks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with air fryer French fries, asparagus, sweet potatoes, tater tots, or Texas toast and a salad. For a heartier meal, pair with acorn squash and mac and cheese.

Tips for air-fried chicken legs

Pre-cooking

Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding the chicken legs. This will give the chicken a nice, crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the juiciest meat and the crispiest skin.

Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the skin. This helps the oil stick better and improves crispiness.

Cooking

Leave space between each chicken leg. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Flip the legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are browned nicely.

Chicken legs will take around 18-22 minutes to cook in an air fryer. You can check if they're done by using an instant-read thermometer to ensure they've reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

For an extra juicy finish, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat leftover chicken legs in the air fryer by preheating to 350°F and cooking for 5-8 minutes.

Variations and substitutions for air fryer chicken legs

There are many ways to vary your air fryer chicken legs, from different seasonings to sauces and dips.

Seasonings

You can use a wide variety of spices to season your chicken legs. The most common spices used are smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. However, you can also experiment with onion powder, chili powder, rosemary, thyme, ground mustard, and celery seed.

Sauces

Although air fryer chicken legs are tasty on their own, you can also add a sauce to the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. BBQ sauce is a popular choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite Asian sauce. If you want to add a sauce, it is recommended to do so towards the end of the cooking process to avoid making the skin soggy.

Dips

If you prefer to keep the chicken dry, you can also serve it with dips on the side. Some options include ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite Asian sauce.

Marinades

You can also try marinating your chicken legs before cooking them. One option is to use a combination of olive oil, kosher salt, and sugar, soaking the chicken for about an hour before rinsing off the brine. You can also experiment with other marinades, such as a honey garlic marinade or a sweet and savory chicken thigh marinade.

Sides

Finally, you can vary the sides that you serve with your chicken legs. Some options include beans, corn casserole, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.

What to serve with air fryer chicken legs

There are several side dishes that can complement air-fried chicken legs. Here are some suggestions:

• Salads: You can pair your chicken legs with a refreshing salad, such as a simple Arugula Salad or a Spinach Strawberry Salad.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Cauliflower, and Roasted Potatoes are excellent choices to accompany the chicken.
• Potato dishes: Potato wedges, Funeral Potatoes, or a potato salad like Sweet Potato Salad, Healthy Potato Salad, or Pesto Potato Salad would go well with the chicken.
• Coleslaw: Try a classic coleslaw or mix it up with an Asian Slaw for a different flavour profile.
• Baked goods: Serve with 2-ingredient biscuits or cornbread to round out the meal.
• Other sides: Japanese Potato Salad, Stuffed Baked Potatoes, or Beans and Corn Casserole are also great options to serve alongside air-fried chicken legs.

Frequently asked questions