Air Fryer Chicken Legs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick and easy meal to make for the whole family. Requiring minimal preparation, this recipe is a great go-to for a tasty and juicy chicken dish. With a variety of seasoning options, you can make this recipe your own. The air fryer's ability to produce a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and juicy interior makes it a popular choice for cooking chicken legs.

How to prepare the chicken legs before air frying

Preparing chicken legs before air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare chicken legs for air frying:

Pat the Chicken Legs Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the chicken legs dry. This step is important as it helps remove any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken. Removing the moisture ensures that the oil and seasonings adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a crispier skin.

Drizzle with Oil:

After patting the chicken dry, place the legs in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil for this step. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and promote a crispy skin.

Season the Chicken:

In a separate small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or a premade chicken seasoning blend. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. Once you have prepared your seasoning mix, sprinkle it over the chicken legs in the bowl, then toss or mix until the chicken is evenly coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Before adding the chicken to the air fryer, make sure to preheat the appliance. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 370-400°F for chicken legs. Check your specific air fryer model's instructions for the best results.

Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure to arrange them in a single layer. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the chicken legs to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared chicken legs ready for air frying. Now, you can proceed with air frying your chicken legs according to your recipe's cooking instructions. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried chicken legs!

How to season the chicken legs

There are many ways to season chicken legs for your air fryer, and you can use a variety of spices, rubs, marinades, and sauces to create your desired flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken legs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choose Your Seasoning

You can opt for a simple blend of everyday ingredients like brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can go for a more complex blend like Italian seasoning, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. If you want a spicier kick, include more cayenne pepper or chilli powder.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Remove any excess moisture to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during cooking. Place the chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl or a large zip-top bag.

Step 3: Apply the Seasoning

If using a simple blend of spices, add a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil to the bowl or bag, along with the chicken legs. Shake well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. If using a more complex blend, combine the spices in a separate bowl first, then add the olive oil and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken, tossing until fully coated.

Step 4: Marinate (Optional)

While this step is optional, marinating the chicken legs will enhance the flavour and juiciness of the meat. Place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least an hour. For even more flavour, leave it to marinate overnight.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 18-22 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken legs. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F.

Tips:

You can also experiment with different sauces, such as BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or cheese sauce. However, add these towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

Additionally, if you want to add a sauce like ranch dressing or honey mustard, it's best to reserve these for dipping rather than adding them during the cooking process.

The best temperature and duration for air frying chicken legs

Air-fried chicken legs are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. The air fryer's circulating air creates a succulent, crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the best results when air-frying chicken legs.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for air frying chicken legs is between 380°F and 400°F. This temperature range ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, with a crispy skin and juicy meat.

Duration

The duration for air frying chicken legs depends on the size of the chicken legs and the specific air fryer model. On average, chicken legs will take between 18 to 22 minutes to cook thoroughly. For smaller chicken legs, aim for a cooking time of around 18 minutes, while for larger legs, 22 minutes is more appropriate.

It is important to ensure that the chicken legs are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to guarantee food safety. An instant-read thermometer is a valuable tool to check the doneness of your chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone, to get an accurate reading.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken legs. This helps to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the juiciest results and crispiest skin.
• Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the skin crisps up nicely.
• Leave space between each chicken leg in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
• Flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
• For an extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to achieve delicious, perfectly cooked air-fried chicken legs every time!

How to store and reheat the chicken legs

Once your chicken legs are cooked, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat your chicken legs:

Storing Chicken Legs

Let the chicken legs cool down:

It is best to let the chicken legs cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the chicken legs fresh for longer. Place them on a wire rack or a plate uncovered for about an hour until they are no longer hot.

Use an airtight container:

After the chicken legs have cooled down, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure to use a container that is suitable for storing food and one that is not too large, as too much empty space can cause the chicken to dry out.

Refrigerate or freeze:

You can store the chicken legs in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you don't plan on eating them within this time frame, it is best to freeze them. Frozen chicken legs can last for up to 3-4 months. Place them in the freezer as soon as possible to maintain freshness.

Reheating Chicken Legs

There are several ways to reheat chicken legs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken legs in a baking dish and add about 1 cup of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method is best for bone-in, skin-on, or breaded chicken legs as it helps keep the skin crispy.

Stovetop:

Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom. Once the liquid starts to simmer, add the chicken legs in a single layer. Lower the heat and cook until the chicken is heated through, about 6 minutes, depending on the size of the legs. This method is best for boneless, skinless chicken.

Microwave:

Place the chicken legs in a microwave-safe dish, with smaller pieces in the centre and larger pieces around the edges. Add a tablespoon or two of water to help keep the chicken moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes. Then, flip the chicken legs and heat in additional 30-second intervals until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method is best for non-breaded, boneless, and skinless chicken pieces.

Air Fryer:

Let the chicken legs come to room temperature, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 4 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This method is suitable for chicken wings and can also work for chicken legs, helping to maintain crispiness.

Remember, it is important to ensure that your chicken legs are thoroughly reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness. Always use a food thermometer to check the temperature before serving.

What to serve with the chicken legs

Now that you've cooked your chicken legs in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

Air fryer chicken legs go well with a variety of side dishes. You can keep it simple with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. If you're looking for something different, try asparagus, acorn squash, or sweet potatoes. For a starchier option, mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

Salads

A fresh salad can complement the richness of the chicken legs. Try a classic coleslaw, or mix things up with an Asian slaw. For something on the healthier side, a simple arugula salad or spinach strawberry salad would be a good choice.

Carb Options

If you're a carb lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. Potato wedges, funeral potatoes, Texas toast, or air fryer french fries would all make excellent choices. For something a little different, try potato salad—you could go classic or experiment with a sweet potato, pesto, or healthy version.

Dips and Sauces

Don't forget the dips and sauces! BBQ sauce, hot sauce, cheese sauce, or honey mustard would all pair well with the chicken legs.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect side dishes to complement your juicy, crispy air fryer chicken legs.

Frequently asked questions