Air Fryer Chicken Legs: The Perfect Quick Recipe

Chicken legs are a family favourite and a great, easy weeknight dinner. They're tender, juicy, and have a crispy skin that's out of this world addicting. The best part? They're ready in under 30 minutes!

Here's how to make them in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

- Chicken legs (about 2 pounds)

- Olive oil

- Paprika

- Salt

- Oregano

- Garlic powder

- Onion powder

- Brown sugar

- Black pepper

- Cayenne pepper (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees F.

2. Mix together the paprika, salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add a little cayenne pepper if you like a kick.

3. Place the chicken drumsticks into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top, then toss to coat completely.

4. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to crowd them.

5. Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.

6. Serve immediately with your favourite sides!

Choosing the right chicken legs

Freshness and Quality

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality chicken legs from your local butcher or grocery store. Look for chicken legs that have a smooth, moist appearance with no discolouration or bruises. Check the "best before" date to ensure you are purchasing chicken legs that are within their shelf life.

Size and Quantity

Air fryers come in different sizes, so choose chicken legs that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket or oven. If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for smaller or medium-sized chicken legs. If you have a larger air fryer or are feeding a crowd, you may need to buy more chicken legs or select larger ones.

Skin-On Chicken Legs

When making air fryer chicken legs, it is best to choose chicken legs with the skin on. The skin helps create a crispy outside shell that is desirable in air-fried chicken legs. It also helps keep the meat moist and juicy during the cooking process.

Bone-In Chicken Legs

While it is possible to use boneless chicken legs, bone-in chicken legs are recommended for the juiciest results and crispiest skin. The bone helps keep the meat moist and adds flavour to the dish.

Preparation and Storage

Before placing the chicken legs in the air fryer, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it helps the oil and seasonings adhere to the skin better, resulting in a crispier final product. If you are not cooking the chicken legs immediately, store them properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.

Organic or Free-Range Options

If available, consider choosing organic or free-range chicken legs, which tend to have better flavour and texture due to the chickens' diet and living conditions. These options may be more expensive, but they can enhance the overall quality of your dish.

Remember to select chicken legs that suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to choosing the right chicken legs for your air fryer, ensuring delicious and crispy results every time!

Preparing the chicken legs

Firstly, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to remove any excess moisture from the skin, ensuring that the oil will stick better and the skin crisps up nicely during cooking. Place the dried chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl.

Next, prepare the seasoning. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. The specific spices you use can vary depending on your taste preferences and the desired flavour profile. Some popular options include paprika (smoked or regular), Italian seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can also add a little olive oil or vegetable oil to the spice mix; this will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and promote a crispier skin.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. Drizzle the olive oil (or vegetable oil) over the chicken legs in the bowl. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top and toss the chicken until each piece is fully and evenly coated. Make sure you get a nice, even distribution of the spices for optimal flavour.

At this stage, your chicken legs are almost ready for the air fryer. If you have the time, you can let the seasoned chicken marinate in the refrigerator for an hour or even overnight. This extra step will allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavourful chicken. However, if you're short on time or can't wait to eat, you can skip the marinating and go straight to the cooking!

Preparing the seasoning

• Gather your ingredients: The specific ingredients may vary depending on your preferred recipe, but typically you'll need spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning or dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for brown sugar, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
• Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together all the spices and herbs. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or olive oil at this stage to create a paste-like consistency.
• Adjust to taste: Before applying the seasoning to the chicken, give it a taste. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your preference. Remember, it's easier to add more than to take away, so start with smaller amounts and build up the flavour gradually.
• Customise: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make the seasoning your own. You can try adding chilli powder, basil, rosemary, or thyme for unique flavour profiles.
• Store: If you've made a large batch of seasoning, you can store it in an airtight container to use later. Label it with the date and ingredients used, so you know what's in it when you come back to it.

Remember, the key to a good seasoning is balance. You want the flavours to complement each other and enhance the taste of the chicken without overwhelming it. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you!

Cooking the chicken legs

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to cook the chicken legs. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture from the skin, which will help the oil and seasonings stick better. Place the dried chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine all the seasonings: paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and any other spices you wish to add. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil to this mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs in the medium-sized bowl. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top of the chicken legs, and toss until they are fully coated. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated for the best flavour and crispness.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is important to ensure even cooking and to help achieve that crispy skin. Different air fryers may have slightly different preheating instructions, so refer to your air fryer's user manual if you are unsure.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken legs into the air fryer basket, being careful to arrange them in a single layer. Do not stack or crowd the chicken legs, as this will affect the cooking process and crispness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cook the chicken legs for about 10 minutes, and then flip them over. Continue cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink, and the juices run clear.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy. Serve the chicken legs with your favourite sides, such as fries, asparagus, sweet potatoes, or a salad. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken legs. Here are some suggestions:

Sides

• Beans
• Corn Casserole
• Brussel Sprouts
• Potatoes (including Potato Wedges, Funeral Potatoes, Sweet Potato Salad, and Baked Potato)
• French Fries
• Asparagus
• Sweet potatoes
• Tater tots
• Texas Toast
• Salad
• Acorn squash
• Mac and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Arugula Salad
• Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Broccoli
• Roasted Cauliflower
• Roasted Potatoes

Sauces

• BBQ Sauce
• Honey Mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Cheese Sauce
• YUM YUM Sauce
• Honey mustard
• Asian sauce
• Buffalo sauce

Variations

• Cajun
• Italian
• Curry
• Cajun
• Glaze (e.g. BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard)
• Spicy (e.g. with Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce)

Frequently asked questions