Air-Fryer Chicken Legs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal for the whole family. With a variety of seasoning options, you can have juicy meat with a perfectly crisp skin in under 30 minutes.

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 their size and the settings on your air fryer.

First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F–400°F. You can pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the skin, which will help the oil stick better. Then, add your chosen seasonings and oil to the chicken legs and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each leg so the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

For smaller chicken legs, cook at 380°F for 18 minutes, and for larger chicken legs, cook at 380°F for 22 minutes. If you are cooking at 400°F, the total cooking time will be around 15–20 minutes. Turn the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are browned nicely.

Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F at the thickest point to ensure they are fully cooked. You can use an instant-read thermometer to do this.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

To get the perfect crispy skin on your air fryer chicken legs, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure you pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This is an important step, as too much moisture can cause the skin to steam instead of crisp. Next, you'll want to drizzle a little olive oil or vegetable oil over the chicken legs and coat them evenly. You can do this by placing the chicken legs in a large bowl and tossing them with the oil, or using a pastry brush to brush it on.

After the chicken legs are coated in oil, it's time to add the seasoning. You can use a simple blend of everyday spices such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, then sprinkle them over the chicken legs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to cook the chicken legs! Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken legs, but generally, you'll want to air fry them for around 15-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For smaller chicken legs, aim for closer to 18 minutes, and for larger legs, go for 22 minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F to ensure they are cooked through.

And that's it! By following these simple steps, you'll achieve perfectly crispy skin on your air fryer chicken legs every time. Enjoy!

What to serve with air fryer chicken legs

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer chicken legs. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer sweet potatoes
• Air fryer tater tots
• Texas toast
• Salad
• Acorn squash
• Mac and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes

Other Ideas

You can also use leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks in other dishes. For example, pull the meat off the bone and add it to a salad or pasta dish. Or, play into the BBQ flavour of the rub and pair leftovers with baked beans or a baked potato and barbecue sauce.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating chicken legs are both straightforward processes. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Storing Chicken Legs

Before storing your chicken legs, ensure they have cooled down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

Reheating Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating chicken legs. It will give you crispy skin without the grease, and it's faster than using an oven. Here are the steps to reheat your chicken legs in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Brush the chicken legs with a thin coat of olive oil or butter to help keep them moist.
• Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them.
• Reheat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 160-165°F to be safe to consume.
• Serve immediately for the best results.

Tips for Reheating Chicken Legs:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken for even heating.
• Add a bit of oil or butter to the chicken before cooking to prevent sticking and improve crispness.
• Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
• If your chicken has been stored in a sauce, consider reheating it without the sauce to prevent soggy skin.
• If reheating multiple pieces, ensure they are spaced out and not touching for even heating.
• You can also reheat chicken legs in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.

Tips for cooking chicken legs in an air fryer

Pre-cooking

Before you start cooking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help guarantee that you get crispy skin. You can also add a little olive oil or vegetable oil and season the chicken with a dry rub for extra flavour. If you want to use a marinade, be aware that it may make it difficult for the skin to crisp up.

Cooking

When you're ready to start cooking, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the chicken legs inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each leg. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Post-cooking

Once the chicken is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help ensure that the juices are distributed evenly and that the chicken is nice and tender. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tips for crispy skin

To get the crispiest skin, make sure there is no overlap between the chicken legs in the air fryer. You can also try increasing the temperature to 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking. If you're still not getting the desired crispness, you can try using aluminium foil or parchment paper in the air fryer to help absorb any excess moisture.

Frequently asked questions