Emilie Meyer
Chicken legs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer or an Instant Pot. The air fryer is perfect for quickly cooking juicy chicken legs with a crispy skin. The Instant Pot, on the other hand, uses steam to create a moist environment, keeping the chicken legs tender and flavourful. Both methods are relatively simple and can be customised with a variety of seasonings and sauces.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken Legs in an Instant Pot Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken legs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, cayenne, BBQ sauce |
| Utensils | Instant Pot Air Fryer, instant-read thermometer, large zip-top bag, large bowl, foil-lined baking sheet, air fryer basket |
| Preparation | Pat chicken legs dry with a paper towel, add ingredients to a large zip-top bag and shake to mix, add chicken to bag with vegetable oil and shake until coated, preheat air fryer, place chicken in air fryer basket |
| Cooking Time and Temperature | Preheat: 5 minutes at 380°F. Cooking: 18-22 minutes at 380°F (10 minutes, flip, then additional 7-12 minutes). Internal temperature: 165°-185°F |
| Serving Suggestions | Rice, steamed peas/carrots, potatoes, green beans, cauliflower rice, green salad |
| Storage | Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month |
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What You'll Learn
How to season chicken legs for the air fryer
Seasoning chicken legs for the air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your taste preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken legs for the air fryer:
Choose Your Seasonings:
The first step is to select your seasonings. You can go with a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or olive oil to the seasoning mix.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings adhere better to the surface. You can also trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken legs if desired.
Mix Seasonings and Coat Chicken:
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix your selected seasonings together with the oil. Ensure that the chicken legs are fully coated in the seasoning mixture. You can use your hands or a brush to rub the seasonings onto the chicken. Make sure to cover all sides of the chicken legs evenly.
Marinate (Optional):
For more intense flavours, you can let the seasoned chicken legs marinate in the refrigerator for a while. This step is optional, but it can enhance the flavours and make the chicken even more juicy and tender. Try marinating for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the best results.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for about 5 minutes at a temperature of around 380°F (190°C).
Cook the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the chicken legs at 380°F (190°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. For smaller chicken legs, aim for the lower end of the time range, and for larger legs, they may need the full 22 minutes or slightly longer.
Check Doneness:
To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat has reached at least 165°F (74°C). If it hasn't, return the chicken to the air fryer and cook in 2-minute increments until it reaches the correct temperature.
Serve:
Your air-fried chicken legs are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as is or with your favourite sauce on the side. They go great with steamed rice and vegetables or a simple green salad.
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How to get crispy skin on chicken legs in an air fryer
To get crispy skin on 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. You can use a blend of brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne. Next, add vegetable oil or olive oil to the bag and shake until all the chicken is coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking and crisping. Use the “air fry” setting and cook at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning the chicken legs halfway through. For smaller chicken legs, cook for closer to 18 minutes, and for larger chicken legs, cook for up to 22 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F, which you can check with an instant-read thermometer.
If you're using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp with an air fryer lid, you can place the multi-level air fryer basket into the Instant Pot liner. Place half of the chicken pieces on the bottom level and the other half on the top level. Secure the air fryer lid and set the temperature to 380°F. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken on the top rack and cook for an additional 7 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
For extra crispy skin, you can transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for a few minutes, or use the air fryer for 2-4 minutes to further crisp up the skin.
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How to reheat chicken legs in an air fryer
To reheat chicken legs in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even heating and crisping. You don't want to overcrowd the basket. Set the timer for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the number of chicken legs and their size. Check on them occasionally to ensure they are heating up nicely.
If you're looking to add some extra crispiness to your chicken legs, consider brushing on some BBQ sauce before reheating. You can also use other sauces like buffalo sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or yum yum sauce. This will add a nice glaze to your chicken legs.
For frozen chicken legs, be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. It's important to ensure they are thoroughly defrosted before placing them in the air fryer.
Additionally, if you're a fan of crispy chicken skin, you can transfer the reheated chicken legs to a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for a few minutes. This will give the skin that extra crunch.
By following these simple steps, you'll have delicious, juicy, and warmed chicken legs ready to be enjoyed!
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How to cook chicken legs in an instant pot
Cooking chicken legs in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process. The first step is to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Next, prepare a dry rub with a blend of ingredients such as brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne. You can also add olive oil and butter to the mix for extra flavour and to help with the browning process. Place the chicken legs in a large zip-top bag, add the dry rub, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
After the chicken legs are coated, you can preheat your Instant Pot air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes. Then, place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Set the air fryer to the air fry setting and adjust the temperature to 380°F and the timer to 18-22 minutes. For smaller chicken legs, 18 minutes should be sufficient, while larger legs may need closer to 22 minutes. It is recommended to turn the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
The internal temperature of the chicken legs is an important factor to consider. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is cooked properly and is safe to eat.
Once the chicken legs are cooked, you can optionally brush them with your favourite BBQ sauce. To do this, place the sauced drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes or until slightly browned. You can also use the air fryer lid to crisp up the chicken legs for an additional 2-4 minutes.
If you have any leftover chicken legs, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, use the air fryer to maintain the juicy texture and crispy skin. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the drumsticks in a single layer for 5-8 minutes until warmed through.
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What to serve with chicken legs
Chicken legs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken legs cooked in an instant pot air fryer:
For a classic comfort food option, consider serving the chicken legs with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables. The potatoes will complement the juicy chicken, while the vegetables will add a fresh and healthy element to the meal. You could roast some vibrant veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, for a colorful and nutritious dish.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta will pair nicely with the crispy skin of the chicken legs. You could also serve the chicken with garlic bread, which will add a savory garlic kick to the meal.
For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad is a great choice. A chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette would be a refreshing and nutritious option, especially during the summer months. You could also try an Indian lemon rice dish, with fragrant basmati rice cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, then tossed with lemon juice and cilantro.
If you want to stick to a more traditional barbecue theme, baked beans are always a good option to serve with chicken legs. You could also offer some corn on the cob, another classic barbecue side that will add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
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Frequently asked questions
First, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Then, add olive oil and butter to a large bowl and toss the chicken to coat. In a separate bowl, mix together your seasonings (e.g. brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne). Sprinkle the mixture over the chicken and toss well. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 18-25 minutes, turning the legs halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F.
For smaller chicken legs, it will be closer to 18 minutes. For larger chicken legs, it will be closer to 22-25 minutes. However, always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Then, cook the chicken legs at this same temperature.
Yes, you can reheat leftover chicken legs in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through.
