Cody Casey
Chicken legs are a versatile and delicious meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get that perfect crispy skin and juicy meat. With a simple blend of everyday ingredients and an air fryer, you can have mouth-watering chicken legs ready in no time! But how long do they take to cook?
Well, it depends on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken legs in an air fryer for around 18 to 22 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking them for as little as 14 minutes or as long as 25 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect crispy skin
To get the perfect crispy skin on your chicken legs, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, always use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the best results. Before seasoning the chicken, pat the legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the skin. This is an important step, as it helps the oil adhere better and promotes crispier skin.
Next, season the chicken generously. A typical blend of seasonings includes salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder, which guarantees a crispier exterior. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then drizzle the chicken legs with oil and toss them in the spice mixture until they are well coated.
Now, it's time to arrange the chicken legs in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each leg for the hot air to circulate. This step is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F, and then place the chicken legs inside, being mindful not to overcrowd them.
Cooking time varies, but generally, you'll air fry the chicken legs for around 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides. For smaller chicken legs, aim for 18 minutes, and for larger ones, 22 minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. For crispier skin, you can continue air frying until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 185-190°F.
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the juicy, tender meat and that perfect crispy skin!
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What temperature to cook at
When cooking chicken legs in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C to prevent foodborne illnesses. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check this.
Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 380°F or 200°C and cooking the chicken legs for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For smaller chicken legs, 18 minutes should be enough, while larger chicken legs may need closer to 22 minutes.
Other recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C and cooking the chicken legs for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method also recommends checking the internal temperature with a thermometer and cooking longer if needed.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that the chicken legs can be cooked at a lower temperature of 185°F or 85°C. However, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Additionally, it is recommended to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before adding oil and seasonings. This helps remove excess moisture, which can prevent the skin from crisping properly.
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How long to cook for
The cooking time for chicken legs in an air fryer varies depending 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 between 380°F and 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For example, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the chicken legs for 10 minutes, flipping them over, and then cooking for another 8 minutes. This source also suggests letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Another source recommends cooking the chicken legs for 15 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you are cooking smaller chicken legs, they will likely be done closer to the 18-minute mark. Larger chicken legs will likely need the full 22 minutes or more. It is important to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Some sources recommend cooking chicken legs at a lower temperature of 380°F for a shorter amount of time, such as 10 minutes on each side. This method still results in juicy and crispy chicken legs.
It is worth noting that one source suggests that chicken legs can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 14 minutes, while another source suggests that they can take up to 25 minutes if baked in an oven.
To ensure even cooking and a crispy skin, it is important to place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each leg so that hot air can circulate. It is also recommended to flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time.
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How to reheat leftovers
Cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin. But what about reheating chicken legs in an air fryer?
First, it's important to note that reheating chicken in an air fryer is a much better option than using a microwave, which can make the chicken soggy. An air fryer will ensure your leftover chicken legs retain their crispiness and stay moist and juicy.
To reheat chicken legs in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, brush the chicken legs with a light coating of olive oil, avocado oil, or butter to help keep them moist. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation.
Reheat the chicken legs for 5-10 minutes, depending on their size and the starting temperature of the chicken. If your chicken has been at room temperature, it will heat up slightly quicker than chicken taken straight from the fridge. After the first heating phase, use tongs to turn the chicken pieces carefully, so they cook on all sides. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through.
To ensure your chicken legs are reheated safely, use a digital meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which chicken is safely cooked, according to USDA guidelines, and will help prevent food poisoning.
So, the next time you have leftover chicken legs, don't reach for the microwave. Instead, use your air fryer to enjoy a quick, easy, and delicious way to reheat your chicken legs to crispy, juicy perfection!
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What to serve with chicken legs
Chicken legs cooked in an air fryer will be ready in around 15 to 22 minutes, depending on the size of the legs. This gives you plenty of time to prepare some delicious side dishes to serve with your juicy, tender chicken.
A fresh, crisp salad can be a great contrast to the rich chicken, and there are lots of options to choose from. A simple cucumber and onion salad is a classic, or you could try something a little more unusual, like a spinach and strawberry salad. If you're looking for something a little heartier, roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli are a great option – nutty, sweet, and so moreish. You could also try roasted asparagus, or, for something a little different, roast your carrots with a maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze.
If you're looking for something more substantial, you could try mashed potatoes, baked beans, or mac and cheese. If you're in the mood for something spicy, Mexican corn and chicken soup is a great option, or you could try egg fried rice. For a quick and easy option, throw together some Texas toast garlic bread, or, if you're feeling indulgent, garlic bread with butter.
If you're still not sure what to serve with your chicken legs, you could try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes, sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, garlic noodles, or garlic rice.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook chicken legs in an air fryer for 18 to 22 minutes at 380°F to 400°F, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For the best results, preheat your air fryer and use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. It is also important to ensure that the chicken is in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each leg so that the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
To make chicken legs crispy, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before adding oil and seasonings. This will help remove excess moisture and promote the crisping of the skin. You can also flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are evenly browned.
