Frying Chicken Legs: Air Fryer Time And Temperature Guide

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make for the whole family. Requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, they are a convenient way to enjoy juicy chicken with a crispy skin. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to cook the chicken legs in the air fryer for 18 to 22 minutes at 380°F to 400°F, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F.

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, make sure you pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the skin. This is an important step, as too much moisture can cause the skin to steam instead of crisp up.

Next, you'll want to add some oil. Drizzle or brush a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil over the chicken legs. This will help the seasoning stick and also promote that crispy skin. Speaking of seasoning, a simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne will do the trick. You can also add brown sugar for some caramelization and a hint of sweetness.

Now, it's time to cook those chicken legs. Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for around 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the legs over to ensure even cooking and browning.

Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help keep the juices in the meat and ensure that crispy skin you worked hard for!

Troubleshooting

If your chicken legs aren't crisping up as much as you'd like, try increasing the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking. You can also try cooking them for a little longer, but be careful not to overcook the meat.

So, there you have it! Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to achieving that perfect crispy skin on your air-fried chicken legs. Enjoy!

How long to cook chicken legs in the air fryer

Chicken legs are a forgiving meat when it comes to cooking in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature you are cooking at.

For smaller chicken legs cooked at 380°F, they will take closer to 18 minutes. For larger chicken legs cooked at the same temperature, they will take up to 22 minutes. If you are cooking at 400°F, the cooking time will be around 15 minutes. For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking.

Chicken legs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this. For extra juicy chicken, you can cook the legs to an internal temperature of up to 185°F.

How to prep the chicken legs

Preparing chicken legs for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Pat the Chicken Legs Dry

Use paper towels to pat the chicken legs dry. Removing excess moisture from the skin will help the oil stick better and promote crispier skin.

Drizzle with Oil

Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or vegetable oil. You can also use a zip-top bag for this step. The oil will help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and promote a crispy skin.

Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix your desired seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or dried thyme. You can also use a premade seasoning blend such as Cajun, Italian, or curry powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, then toss or shake until the chicken is evenly coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 370°F to 400°F. Most recipes recommend preheating for about 5 minutes.

Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful to not crowd them. Skin-side down is recommended to prevent the skin from burning. Leave enough space between each chicken leg to allow hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Now your chicken legs are prepped and ready for air frying! Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and enjoy juicy, tender, and crispy air-fried chicken legs.

What to serve with air fryer 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 to get you started:

Salads and Veggies

A fresh and healthy option to go with your chicken legs. Why not try an arugula salad or a side of sautéed Brussels sprouts? Or, if you want something a little heartier, go for roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes.

Coleslaw

A classic side dish that will complement your chicken legs perfectly. Go for a traditional coleslaw or mix things up with an Asian slaw.

Potato Salad

A potato salad is always a great choice for a side dish. Try a sweet potato salad, a healthy potato salad, or a pesto potato salad.

Air-fried Sides

If you want to keep things simple and make use of your air fryer, you could cook up some air fryer French fries, asparagus, sweet potatoes, or tater tots.

Bread

Add some Texas toast or another type of bread to your meal. It's perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or juices from your chicken.

Hearty Sides

If you want something a little more filling, try serving your chicken legs with acorn squash and mac and cheese.

How to store and reheat your chicken legs

Now that you've cooked your chicken legs to perfection, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store and reheat your delicious air-fried chicken legs:

Storing Your Chicken Legs:

• Let the chicken legs cool: Before storing your cooked chicken legs, it's important to let them cool down. Place them on a wire rack or a plate uncovered for about 30 to 60 minutes to allow them to reach room temperature gradually.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Once the chicken legs have cooled down, it's time to decide whether you want to refrigerate or freeze them. If you plan on eating them within the next few days, refrigerate them. Place the chicken legs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, if you want to store them for a more extended period, it's best to freeze them. Place the chicken legs in a freezer-safe airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Your Chicken Legs:

There are several ways to reheat your chicken legs, depending on your preference and equipment available:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet and heat them for about 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Air fryer: If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your chicken legs by preheating the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat them for about five minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional five minutes.
• Microwave: Place the chicken legs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them in 30-second intervals until they are heated through. This method is best for plain chicken without any breading.
• Stovetop: For boneless chicken legs, slice the meat into strips. Place a skillet on medium heat and add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the pan. Once the liquid starts to simmer, add the chicken strips and heat until they are warmed through.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• To maintain moisture, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to the container before reheating in the microwave.
• If you're reheating breaded chicken legs, the oven method is ideal for keeping the coating crispy.
• Always ensure your chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Frequently asked questions