Air-Fryer Chicken Legs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken legs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, one of which is using an air fryer. Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook chicken legs, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy skin. The use of an air fryer also reduces the cooking time by almost half compared to baking in an oven. This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option for families.

Chicken leg prep: Pat dry, add oil and seasoning, and preheat the air fryer

Chicken legs are a forgiving meat to cook in an air fryer. To get started, you'll want to pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the skin, which will help the oil stick better and give you crispier skin.

Next, you'll want to add oil and seasoning. Drizzle a little olive oil or vegetable oil over the chicken legs and use a pastry brush or your hands to evenly coat the entire surface of each drumstick with oil. For seasoning, you can use a store-bought dry rub or make your own blend. A simple blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder works great. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Mix your seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken legs and mix well to ensure they are evenly coated.

Finally, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Preheating is important as it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and at the right temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. However, one recipe suggests preheating to 380 degrees Fahrenheit if you plan to cook your chicken legs at this temperature.

Cooking time and temperature: 18-22 minutes at 380-400°F

To cook chicken legs in an air fryer, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, preferably in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit 6-10 pieces in one batch.

At this temperature, you'll want to cook the chicken legs for a total of 18-22 minutes, turning them halfway through. For smaller chicken legs, they will be done closer to the 18-minute mark, while larger chicken legs will take the full 22 minutes or slightly longer. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F, but you can go up to 185°F.

If you're cooking at 380°F, you'll want to cook the chicken legs for 10 minutes, flip them, and then cook for another 7-8 minutes. If you're cooking at 400°F, you can cook for 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 8 minutes.

Once the chicken legs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Internal temperature: 165°F or higher

Achieving an internal temperature of 165°F or higher is crucial for ensuring your air-fried chicken legs are cooked thoroughly and safely. This temperature serves as the minimum requirement for eliminating any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

To accurately gauge the internal temperature, it is highly recommended to use an instant-read thermometer, also known as a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding contact with the bone, to obtain an accurate reading.

The cooking time for air-fried chicken legs varies depending on the size of the legs and the specific air fryer model. In general, chicken legs take approximately 18 to 22 minutes to cook in an air fryer set at 380°F to 400°F. However, it is essential to monitor the internal temperature closely, as it should reach a minimum of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Once the chicken legs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F or higher, you can be confident that they are cooked properly. At this temperature, the chicken meat will be cooked through, and any harmful bacteria will be eliminated, making it safe to consume.

It is worth noting that bone-in dark meat, such as chicken legs, may benefit from being cooked to a slightly higher temperature for optimal tenderness. Aiming for an internal temperature of 175°F can help ensure that the connective tissue breaks down sufficiently, resulting in juicier and more tender chicken legs.

Chicken leg presentation: Crispy skin, juicy meat, and tender

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The chicken legs are cooked to perfection, with a crispy and flavourful skin, and a juicy and tender inside.

Ingredients

• Chicken legs (or drumsticks)
• Olive oil
• Seasoning of choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper)
• Optional: BBQ sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help achieve crispier skin.
• Drizzle or brush the chicken legs with olive oil and coat evenly.
• In a small bowl, mix together your choice of seasonings. You can also use a store-bought dry rub or marinade, but note that marinades may affect the crispiness of the skin.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken legs and ensure they are well-coated.
• Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each leg for even cooking.
• Air fry at 380°F-400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping the chicken legs halfway through. Smaller chicken legs will take closer to 18 minutes, while larger ones will take up to 22 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F, but you can go up to 175°F-185°F for darker meat.
• Optional: For extra flavour, brush on some BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If your air fryer basket cannot fit all the chicken legs in a single layer, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• For crispy and juicy chicken, it is best to use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs.
• You can serve these chicken legs with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, salads, mashed potatoes, or fries.

Chicken leg serving suggestions: Salads, potatoes, and sauces

Juicy air-fried chicken legs with a crispy skin are a delight, and there are plenty of serving suggestions to complement them. Salads, potatoes, and sauces are all great accompaniments to chicken legs, and you can get creative with your choices.

For a light and refreshing option, a classic Caesar salad is a perfect pairing. The crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and creamy dressing provide a tangy contrast to the rich, savoury chicken. You could also try a quinoa salad, with its nutty flavour and versatility, or a simple side salad with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to add a burst of vitality.

If you're looking for something more indulgent, mashed potatoes are an excellent choice. You can keep it classic or add ingredients like garlic, cheese, or herbs such as rosemary for a twist. Four-cheese mashed potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, roasted baby potatoes with tons of fresh garlic and lemon slices are a great option to achieve a crispy texture and a tangy flavour.

Sauces can also elevate your chicken legs. You can opt for a simple drizzle of melted butter or pan juices, or get creative with a honey-soy sauce mixture, adding in ingredients like ketchup, garlic, and oil. If you're feeling adventurous, add some sriracha for a spicy kick. For a thicker sauce, some people add cornstarch and simmer it on the stovetop.

Other serving suggestions include macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, rice pilaf, grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, or even garlic bread for a savoury twist.

Frequently asked questions