Air-Frying Chicken Legs: Timing For Perfect Results

Chicken legs are a family favourite, and for good reason. They're affordable, juicy, and full of flavour. But how long should you put them in the air fryer for?

Most sources recommend cooking chicken legs in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping them over halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Some recipes suggest cooking them for longer, up to 18-22 minutes, or 18-20 minutes at 400°F.

How long to cook chicken legs in an air fryer

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make for the family. They are tender and juicy on the inside, and seasoned and crispy on the outside.

Ingredients:

• Chicken legs (about 2 pounds)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Method:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken legs by patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the oil and seasoning stick to the chicken.

Next, place the chicken legs in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings on top and toss to ensure the chicken is fully coated. You can also add the chicken and seasonings to a large zip-top bag and shake until the chicken is coated.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook in batches if necessary.

Cook the chicken legs for 15-20 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest point. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

Tips:

• Always preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken legs. This will help to ensure crispy skin and juicy meat.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the juiciest meat and crispiest skin.
• Leave space between each chicken leg to allow the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
• Flip the legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Variations:

You can experiment with different seasonings and sauces to suit your taste. Try a Cajun, Italian, or curry seasoning mix, or add a glaze with BBQ sauce or honey mustard in the last few minutes of cooking.

You can also try using other cuts of chicken, such as thighs, drumsticks, or wings, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

How to season chicken legs for the air fryer

Chicken legs are a forgiving meat to cook in an air fryer, and they can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The key to getting juicy chicken with a crispy skin is to ensure the chicken is well-coated in oil and seasoning, and to cook it for long enough.

Preparation

Firstly, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This will help the oil and seasoning stick to the chicken. Place the chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl.

Oil

Drizzle the chicken legs with olive oil or vegetable oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and give it a nice crisp skin once air-fried.

Seasoning

There are a variety of seasoning options for chicken legs. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne. You can also add brown sugar for a barbecue flavour. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought chicken seasoning blend, or a different spice rub such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, or a combination of spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ground mustard, and celery seed.

Marinating

You can then marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight for even more flavour.

Cooking

Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook at 380-400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the legs and continue to cook for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink and the internal temperature is 165°F.

Serving

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Storing and Reheating

You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 3-4 months. Reheat in the air fryer by preheating to 350°F and cooking for 5-8 minutes.

How to prepare chicken legs for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare chicken legs for the air fryer:

• Chicken legs (about 2 pounds)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken better.
• In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. You can use a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of spice.
• Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, then toss or rub it to ensure an even coating.
• Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful to not overcrowd them. Leave some space between each leg to allow for even cooking.
• Cook the chicken legs for about 15-20 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller chicken legs, aim for the lower end of the time range, and for larger legs, cook for a few minutes longer.
• Flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crisping on all sides.
• Check the doneness of the chicken legs by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee they are fully cooked.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• 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.
• If you prefer to remove the skin, you can do so before or after cooking. Removing it after cooking may result in juicier meat as the skin will drip its flavours onto the chicken as it cooks.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Try a Cajun, Italian, or curry blend, or simply use your favourite premade chicken seasoning.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend or top the cooked chicken legs with your favourite hot sauce.
• If you're cooking for a larger group, cook the chicken legs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Keep the cooked chicken warm by covering it with foil or placing it in a warm oven until ready to serve.

What to serve with air fryer chicken legs

Now that you know how long to put chicken legs in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to serve with them. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy and crispy air fryer chicken legs:

Side Dish Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Legs:

• Air fryer french fries or potato wedges: These are a classic choice that everyone loves, and they can be cooked in the air fryer as well, making it a convenient option.
• Salad: A fresh and healthy option to balance out the meal.
• Asparagus: Air fryer asparagus is a great way to get your greens, and it can be cooked quickly in the air fryer.
• Sweet potatoes: Whether baked, mashed, or in the form of sweet potato fries, sweet potatoes make a great side dish and pair well with the flavours of the chicken.
• Tater tots: Who doesn't love tater toots? They're a fun and tasty addition to your meal.
• Texas toast: This is a type of garlic bread that can be cooked in the air fryer, adding a crunchy and flavourful side to your meal.
• Acorn squash: For something a little different, try serving your chicken legs with acorn squash. It's a healthy and tasty option.
• Mac and cheese: This classic comfort food is always a hit, especially with kids.
• Beans: A simple and hearty option that goes well with chicken.
• Corn casserole: A creamy and delicious side dish that will be a crowd-pleaser.
• Brussel sprouts: These can be roasted or air-fried, and they add a nice touch of green to your plate.
• Potatoes: Regular baked potatoes or funeral potatoes (a type of cheesy potato casserole) are always a good choice to round out your meal.
• Coleslaw: A traditional side dish that goes well with fried chicken. Try a classic coleslaw or mix it up with an Asian slaw variation.
• Roasted vegetables: While your chicken legs are cooking in the air fryer, roast some broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes in the oven for a healthy and tasty side dish.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your air fryer chicken legs.

How to store and reheat air fryer chicken legs

Storing Your Chicken Legs

To store your air fryer chicken legs, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 4 days.

Reheating Your Chicken Legs

When it comes to reheating your chicken legs, the air fryer is the way to go! Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Brush or spray your chicken legs with a thin coat of olive 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 and not touching each other.
• Reheat for 5-8 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Serve immediately for the best results.

Tips for Reheating

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken.
• Add a bit of oil or butter to the chicken before cooking to keep it moist and help it crisp up.
• Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't dry out or become overcooked.
• Avoid reheating your chicken more than once, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions