Air-Fryer Chicken Legs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken legs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the quickest and easiest methods is to use an air fryer. Not only does this appliance cut down on cooking time, but it also delivers juicy meat with a perfectly crispy skin. The key to achieving this texture is the circulating hot air inside the fryer, which cooks the chicken evenly without the need for broiling or grilling. To get the best results, it's important to preheat the air fryer, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Chicken leg prep

Chicken legs are a forgiving meat when cooked in an air fryer. They are quick and easy to make, and you can season them in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken legs in an air fryer.

Firstly, remove the chicken legs from any packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture, which is important for the cooking process. You can also allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove the chill.

Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne, or you can get creative with other spices and herbs. Place your chosen dry ingredients in a large zip-top bag and shake to mix well.

Now, it's time to add the chicken. Place the legs into the bag with the seasoning and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Shake the bag until all the chicken is coated.

Cooking the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. This will ensure the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Cook the chicken legs for 18-22 minutes, turning them halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. For extra crispy skin, you can air fry for longer until the chicken reaches your desired texture.

And that's it! Your chicken legs are now ready to be served. Enjoy!

Air fryer settings

To cook chicken legs in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer. While preheating is not mandatory, it is recommended as it ensures that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F–400°F for 5 minutes.

Next, place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a minimum of 1/4-inch space between each leg. This is important as it allows hot air to circulate, cooking the chicken evenly and giving the legs a crispy skin.

Now, you are ready to air fry your chicken legs. Use the "air fry" setting for 18–22 minutes at 380°F–400°F, turning the chicken legs over halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken legs; smaller legs will be ready closer to the 18-minute mark, while larger legs will need the full 22 minutes, or perhaps a little longer.

To check that your chicken legs are cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F at the thickest point. For crispier skin, you can continue air frying until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185°F or 190°F.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken legs in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking chicken legs in an air fryer preheated to 380°F or 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the legs halfway through the cooking time. Smaller chicken legs will take closer to 18 minutes, while larger chicken legs will take closer to 22 minutes.

It is important to note that the chicken legs should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Some sources recommend cooking the chicken legs to an internal temperature of 175°F, especially for bone-in dark meat, to ensure that the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has broken down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs.

If you are using already cooked chicken legs, they only need about 5 minutes in the air fryer to warm them up. Frozen chicken legs can also be used, but they should be thawed in the fridge overnight before cooking.

For extra crispy skin, you can air fry the chicken legs for a few minutes longer, until they reach your desired texture. However, it is important not to overcook the chicken, as this can result in dry and tough meat.

Internal temperature

Achieving the right internal temperature is crucial when cooking chicken legs in an air fryer. This ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is safe to eat. The recommended minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check this. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, being careful to avoid the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.

The time it takes to reach this temperature will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of the air fryer. Smaller chicken legs will take closer to 18 minutes at 380°F, while larger legs will take up to 22 minutes. It is recommended to turn the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.

If you prefer your chicken legs to be extra crispy, you can continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 185°F to 190°F. This will ensure the skin is crispy while keeping the meat juicy.

It is important to note that bone-in, dark meat chicken legs are best cooked to a slightly higher temperature than the minimum. Aiming for an internal temperature of 175°F will ensure the meat is cooked through, and the connective tissue has broken down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy.

For food safety, it is crucial to ensure the chicken reaches the minimum internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature kills any harmful bacteria, so it is recommended to use a thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.

Seasoning and serving suggestions

When it comes to seasoning your chicken legs, there are a plethora of options to choose from. A simple blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, brown sugar, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne can be mixed with vegetable oil and the chicken in a large zip-top bag and left to marinate in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you could try a spice rub with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the bag and shake it all up. If you're feeling adventurous, try a barbecue-flavoured rub, or even a curry mix. For a kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper or your favourite hot sauce.

If you're using a pre-made seasoning blend, try Cajun, Italian, or curry powder. You can also add a glaze with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or honey garlic in the last few minutes of cooking.

As for serving suggestions, these chicken legs go well with air fryer French fries, asparagus, sweet potatoes, tater tots, and Texas toast. If you're looking for something healthier, serve them with a side salad or steamed veggies. For a picnic, potato salad is a great option. If you're feeling indulgent, mac and cheese is always a good choice.

Don't forget, you can always use leftovers in a salad or pasta dish, or pair them with easy baked beans and an air fryer baked potato with barbecue sauce.

Frequently asked questions