Emilie Meyer
Cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender chicken with a crispy skin. There are a variety of ways to season and cook chicken legs in an air fryer, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes to cook. This makes air-fried chicken legs a great option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380°F-410°F (200°C-210°C) |
| Time | 15-22 minutes |
| Flip halfway through | Yes |
| Final internal temperature | 165°F (75°C) |
| Reheat temperature | 350°F (200°C) |
| Reheat time | 5-10 minutes |
| Number of pieces per batch | 8-10 pieces (basket air fryer), 18 (air fryer oven) |
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$10.86
What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken legs will develop a nice and crispy skin while remaining juicy. Preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes at 380°F to 400°F.
Different air fryers have different preheating functions. Some have a specific preheat setting, while others may require you to set the temperature and wait for the air fryer to reach it. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can simply set the temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your chicken.
It is important to note that the preheat time may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. Additionally, if you are using an air fryer oven, the preheat time may be longer compared to a basket-style air fryer.
Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed with adding your chicken legs and following the rest of your recipe instructions. Remember to arrange the chicken legs in a single layer, leaving space between each leg to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation.
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Use the air fry setting
To cook chicken legs in an air fryer, start by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Then, add all the dry ingredients to a large zip-top bag and shake to mix well. Next, add the chicken to the bag with vegetable oil and shake until all the chicken is coated.
Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each leg. Use the ""air fry" setting at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°-185°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
For smaller chicken legs, cook for closer to 18 minutes, and for larger chicken legs, cook for up to 22 minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You can cook the chicken legs to a maximum internal temperature of 185°F.
You can also cook chicken legs in an air fryer at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, turning them once halfway through. Alternatively, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip them over, and then cook for another 8 minutes.
If you are cooking multiple batches of chicken legs, always preheat your air fryer before adding a new batch. This will ensure the chicken has a crispy skin and remains juicy.
You can also reheat leftover chicken legs in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-8 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat chicken legs at 200°C/400°F for about 8-10 minutes until they are crisp and hot throughout.
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Cook time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for chicken legs in an air fryer depend on the size of the chicken legs and the number of legs being cooked. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken legs, as this gives the chicken a crispy skin while keeping it juicy.
For two chicken legs, one source recommends cooking at 210C/410F for 35-40 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 400F for 15 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. A third source suggests cooking at 400F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. For smaller chicken legs, it will be closer to 18 minutes, and for larger chicken legs, it will be closer to 20 minutes.
For four chicken legs, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 380F and cooking for 18-22 minutes, turning the chicken legs halfway through. Another source suggests preheating to 400F and cooking for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken legs halfway through.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer being used. To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165F. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the temperature at the thickest point of the chicken leg. If the juices run clear and are not pink, the chicken is cooked.
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Internal temperature
Achieving the right internal temperature is crucial to ensure your chicken legs are cooked properly and safely. The recommended internal temperature for chicken legs varies slightly depending on the source, but most recommend a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This temperature is measured at the thickest part of the chicken leg, and it indicates that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
To achieve this internal temperature, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken legs during the cooking process. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading. If you do not have an instant-read thermometer, you can also pierce the thickest part of the chicken with a knife. If the juices run clear and are not pink, this is an indication that your chicken is likely cooked through.
When cooking chicken legs in an air fryer, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the legs and the specific air fryer model. However, most recipes recommend cooking chicken legs at a temperature of 380°F to 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For smaller chicken legs, the cooking time may be closer to 18 minutes, while larger legs may require the full 22 minutes or even a few extra minutes. It is always important to check the internal temperature of your chicken legs to ensure they have reached the recommended temperature before consuming them.
Once your chicken legs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, they are safe to eat. However, some sources suggest that you can cook them to a higher internal temperature for a longer period of time. For example, one source recommends an internal temperature of 185°F for chicken legs. This higher temperature may result in more well-done chicken legs, but it is important to monitor the temperature closely to avoid overcooking or drying out the meat.
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Reheating and storing
When it comes to reheating and storing your chicken legs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to reheat your chicken legs in the air fryer itself. Preheat the air fryer to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then cook the leftover chicken legs for about 5 to 8 minutes. This will ensure they are heated through properly. You can also add some extra flavour by using seasoning blends, such as Cajun, Italian, or even a curry mix. A glaze can also be added by brushing on some BBQ sauce or honey mustard during the last few minutes of reheating.
If you want to store your cooked chicken legs, it is best to use an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They should remain fresh for 3 to 4 days when stored this way. Alternatively, some sources suggest that cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if placed in an airtight storage container.
For those who prefer their chicken legs piping hot and crisp, reheating in the air fryer at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes is a good option. This will ensure the chicken is heated evenly and thoroughly.
It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to consume. This can be checked using an instant-read thermometer.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of the air fryer. Typically, chicken legs take between 15 to 22 minutes to cook at temperatures between 380°F and 400°F.
The cooking temperature depends on the type of air fryer and the desired doneness of the chicken legs. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken legs at temperatures between 380°F and 400°F.
The best way to ensure your chicken legs are cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat is at least 165°F.
To get crispy chicken legs, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture from the skin. Then, preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken legs, and cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
