Air-Frying Chicken Legs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken legs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways, but one of the best methods is to use an air fryer. Not only does this method produce tender, juicy meat, but it also results in a crispy skin that's hard to beat. The air fryer is perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners, and it also frees up your oven for sides like potato wedges or roasted veggies. The key to getting that crispy skin is to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before cooking, and to preheat the air fryer to ensure an even cook. You can season the chicken legs with a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. For a barbecue flavour, you can add BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking, or serve with a dipping sauce on the side.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

To get the perfect crispy skin on your air-fried chicken legs, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps to remove any excess moisture from the skin, which can prevent the skin from crisping up.

Next, you'll want to season the chicken legs. A simple blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper can add a lot of flavours. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, or even a curry mix. Mix your chosen spices with a small amount of vegetable oil or olive oil, and coat the chicken legs evenly.

Once your chicken legs are seasoned, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Preheating is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and helps to get that crispy skin. Set your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the air fryer is preheated, place your chicken legs in the basket, being careful not to crowd them. Leave some space between each leg so that hot air can circulate, cooking the chicken evenly and crisping up the skin on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken legs in batches.

Now, it's time to air fry! For chicken legs, cook for 18 to 20 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller chicken legs, aim for 18 minutes, and for larger ones, go for the full 20 minutes. Remember to flip the legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.

Finally, use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken legs have reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which chicken is considered safe to eat, and it will also ensure that your chicken is juicy and tender. Aim for an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit for bone-in dark meat.

By following these steps, you'll achieve perfectly crispy skin on your air-fried chicken legs, every time!

Marinades, rubs, and sauces

Chicken legs cooked in an air fryer can be seasoned with a variety of marinades, rubs, and sauces. The options are endless and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Marinades

You can marinate the chicken legs in the refrigerator before cooking. One simple marinade recipe includes brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, a pinch of cayenne, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Mix all the ingredients in a large zip-top bag, add the chicken legs, shake well, and let it marinate.

Rubs

For a rub, you can combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle this spice mix evenly over all sides of the chicken legs. You can also add Italian seasoning, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper to this mix. If you want to go for a barbecue flavor, you can use a rub that includes garlic powder and onion powder. Alternatively, you can sprinkle your favorite Cajun seasoning over the chicken legs, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Sauces

While sauces are not necessary, you can add them to the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, YUM YUM Sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite Asian sauce can all be used. If you prefer a sauce on the side for dipping, options like ranch dressing, hot sauce, or your favorite Asian sauce can be a great addition.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for chicken legs in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the number of chicken legs being cooked. It's important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken legs, and that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to be safe to eat.

For smaller chicken legs, set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 18 minutes, turning the legs halfway through. For larger chicken legs, cook for 22 minutes at the same temperature. Check the internal temperature of the chicken legs with an instant-read thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check if the chicken is cooked by looking for pinkness; the chicken is cooked when there is no more pinkness inside.

If you are cooking multiple chicken legs, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each chicken leg so that the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly. You may need to cook the chicken legs in batches if your air fryer is too small.

For a crispier skin, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the chicken legs for 10 minutes on each side, for a total of 20 minutes. This will result in a crispier skin and juicy meat on the inside.

For chicken drumsticks, air fry for 12 minutes on the first side, then flip the drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F.

Using an air fryer vs. an oven

Air fryers and ovens are both popular methods for cooking chicken legs, but they differ in several ways. Here is a detailed comparison of using an air fryer vs. an oven for cooking chicken legs:

Cooking Time

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the reduced cooking time. Air fryers cook chicken legs in almost half the time it takes an oven. This makes air fryers a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. The quick cooking time also helps retain moisture in the chicken, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Temperature and Crispy Skin

Both air fryers and ovens can deliver crispy-skinned chicken legs, but the methods differ. Air fryers require preheating and a higher temperature setting, typically around 380-400°F. The hot air circulation in the air fryer crisps up the skin while keeping the meat juicy. Ovens, on the other hand, may require additional steps like broiling or grilling to achieve the same crispness. Preheating the oven is also essential for even cooking and a crispy skin.

Cooking Process

Air fryers are known for their simplicity. Simply season the chicken legs, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and air fry for the recommended time, flipping halfway through. The "air fry" setting is typically used for chicken legs. Ovens, on the other hand, offer more versatility in cooking methods, such as roasting or baking. They are also better suited for cooking larger quantities or multiple dishes at once.

Cost and Convenience

Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than ovens, resulting in cost savings over time. Additionally, air fryers don't require the use of additional cookware, further reducing costs. However, ovens may be more convenient when cooking a whole chicken or multiple dishes simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

Both air fryers and ovens can produce delicious, crispy-skinned, and juicy chicken legs. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. Air fryers excel in convenience, speed, and crispy results, while ovens offer versatility and are ideal for larger meals. Ultimately, both methods can deliver tasty chicken legs, so it's a matter of personal preference and the requirements of your recipe.

What to serve with chicken legs

Chicken legs cooked in an air fryer are juicy on the inside with a crispy skin. They are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Vegetables

Roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli are a simple yet delicious combination, with nutty and sweet flavours. You could also try roasted asparagus, or carrots coated in a glaze of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh, crisp salad.

Carbohydrates

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that provides a delicious contrast to the crispy texture of the chicken legs. For a twist on this classic, try garlic mashed potatoes, or the more creative Hasselback potatoes. You could also try garlic bread, or Texas Toast Garlic Bread, made by slathering thick-sliced bread with garlic butter.

Other options

Baked beans are a good option, especially if served cold. You could also try mac and cheese, or egg fried rice. For a more unusual pairing, serve with a Mexican corn and chicken soup.

Frequently asked questions