Air-Frying Chicken Legs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken legs are a versatile and forgiving meat to cook in an air fryer. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from a simple blend of salt, pepper, and paprika to a more complex mix including brown sugar, onion and garlic powder, and ground mustard. The key to juicy chicken legs with a crispy skin is to cook them in the air fryer at around 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Fresh Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right cut of chicken

Chicken legs are a popular choice for air frying, and they can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 18 to 22 minutes. Chicken legs are a forgiving cut of meat, and they can be cooked to a juicy, succulent, and tender finish with a crispy skin.

Chicken leg quarters are another option, and these can be cooked in a similar amount of time to regular chicken legs. You can choose to cook them with or without the skin, but if you do opt for skin-on, be sure to place them skin-side-up in the air fryer first.

Chicken breasts are also a good cut of meat to cook in an air fryer. They can be sliced into thin, flat pieces and coated in a variety of spices, sugars, and cornstarch to add flavor and texture. It's important to cut the chicken breasts thinly, as this will ensure they cook through without drying out.

If you're short on time, chicken bites or chicken cubes are a great option. These can be made from chicken breast, chicken thighs, or chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly in the air fryer, taking as little as 10 minutes, and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and oils to suit your taste.

Seasoning and marinating the chicken

Seasoning and marinating your chicken legs is a key step in achieving juicy, flavourful meat with a crispy exterior. There are several ways to go about this, depending on your taste preferences and how much time you have.

A simple seasoning blend can be made using salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of cayenne or brown sugar for a sweet and smoky flavour. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought seasoning blend like Cajun seasoning or a rub that includes garlic and onion powder.

To apply the seasoning, coat the chicken legs lightly with oil, whether they have the skin on or not. You can use olive oil or any other type of oil you prefer. Then, sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the chicken legs, ensuring an even coating. You can also place the spices and oil in a large zip-top bag, add the chicken legs, seal the bag, and shake it to coat the chicken evenly. For the best results, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have the time.

If you're feeling creative, you can also try making a marinade. A few options to consider are a light and bright chicken marinade, a sweet and savory chicken thigh marinade, an orange chicken marinade, or a honey garlic marinade. You can also experiment with different sauces like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.

Remember, the key to achieving juicy and flavourful chicken legs with a crispy exterior is to ensure that the chicken is well-coated with oil and seasoning and to give it enough time to marinate, if possible.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating the air fryer, you ensure that your chicken legs will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for cooking chicken legs:

First, remove the chicken legs from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before you plan to cook them. This allows the chicken to come to room temperature, promoting more even cooking. While the chicken is coming to room temperature, you can preheat your air fryer.

Consult your air fryer's instruction manual to determine the manufacturer's recommended preheating instructions and temperature settings. Most air fryers will instruct you to preheat the appliance for 3-5 minutes at a temperature of 380°F to 400°F. Set the timer and temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions, or preheat for 5 minutes at 380°F as a general guideline.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to place the chicken legs in the basket. It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the basket. Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

After placing the chicken legs in the basket, you can proceed with the cooking process, following your preferred recipe's instructions for temperature and timing. Remember to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F to guarantee safe and thorough cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fresh chicken legs in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook chicken legs to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check that the chicken has reached the correct temperature.

For smaller chicken legs, set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook for 18 minutes, flipping the legs halfway through. For larger chicken legs, use the same temperature but increase the cooking time to 22 minutes.

Some sources suggest cooking chicken legs at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the legs and then cooking for an additional 5-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Another option is to cook the chicken legs at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flip them, and then cook for another 8 minutes.

If you are reheating cooked chicken legs, place them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they are crisp and hot throughout.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken legs. You can serve them with a side of your favourite vegetables, such as sautéed Brussels sprouts, Arugula Salad, asparagus, sweet potato fries, or air fryer tater tots. Alternatively, you can serve them with potato wedges, funeral potatoes, beans, corn casserole, or potatoes.

If you want to add a sauce to your chicken legs, you can try BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or your favourite Asian sauce. You can also try different seasoning blends like Cajun, Italian, or even a curry mix.

You can also serve chicken legs with Texas Toast, salad, acorn squash, and mac and cheese.

Frequently asked questions