Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Legs: Secrets To Perfection

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, look no further than air fryer chicken legs! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep time and just 30 minutes of cooking in the air fryer. The best part? You get juicy meat and crispy skin without the mess and fuss of traditional frying methods.

To make chicken legs in the air fryer, start by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving that extra crispy skin. Then, mix your desired spices (such as black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken legs in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.

Next, place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to stack them, as airflow is essential for even cooking and crispiness. Set your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken legs for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Now you're ready to enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer chicken legs!

Choosing the right chicken

Freshness and Quality

Start by looking for fresh, high-quality chicken legs at your local grocery store or butcher. Check the "best before" or "use by" dates to ensure you're getting the freshest chicken possible. Look for chicken with a natural, light pink colour and avoid any packages with an excessive amount of liquid, as this may indicate that the chicken has been previously frozen or is starting to spoil.

Skin-On Chicken Legs

When selecting chicken legs for air frying, it's best to choose chicken legs with the skin on. The skin helps create that desirable crispy outside shell that everyone loves. It also adds flavour and moisture to the meat, ensuring your chicken legs turn out juicy and tender.

Size and Quantity

Consider the size of the chicken legs and the number of people you'll be serving. If you're cooking for a larger group, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger chicken legs will likely require a bit more time in the air fryer. Additionally, check the size of your air fryer basket to ensure it can accommodate the number of chicken legs you plan to cook.

Bone-In or Boneless

While this preference may vary depending on personal taste, opting for bone-in chicken legs can add more flavour to your dish. The bones can help keep the meat juicy and moist during the air frying process. However, if you prefer a quicker cooking option or want to avoid bones, boneless chicken legs are also a suitable choice.

Organic or Free-Range

If possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken legs. These options tend to have better flavour and texture due to the chickens' diet and living conditions. They may also contain fewer antibiotics or hormones, which can be beneficial for those conscious about their health or the treatment of animals.

Storage and Thawing

If you're not using the chicken legs immediately, proper storage is essential. Keep the chicken legs in their original packaging and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. If you're using frozen chicken legs, be sure to thaw them safely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right chicken for your air fryer. Remember to select fresh, high-quality chicken legs with skin on, and consider the size, quantity, and type of chicken legs that best suit your needs and preferences.

Preparing the chicken

Pat the Chicken Dry:

Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving that extra crispy skin. Removing excess moisture from the skin will also help the oil and seasonings adhere better.

Prepare the Seasonings:

In a small bowl, combine your desired seasonings. You can go with a simple blend of salt and pepper or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Coat the Chicken:

Place the chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or vegetable oil, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, sprinkle your chosen spice mix over the chicken and toss until all pieces are evenly coated. You can use tongs or your hands to ensure each piece is thoroughly covered.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Before adding the chicken, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380-400°F (190-204°C). Some recipes suggest preheating to a lower temperature of 350°F (177°C) if you're reheating leftover chicken to crisp it up again.

Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket:

Carefully place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Leave some space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate effectively.

Now that your chicken is prepared and ready to go into the air fryer, you can proceed with the cooking process. Remember to follow the cooking guidelines for your specific air fryer model and adjust temperatures and timings as needed.

Getting the seasoning right

The seasoning is key to making your chicken legs taste delicious. The right blend of spices will ensure your chicken is bursting with flavour. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your chicken legs to perfection.

Choose your spices

Firstly, you'll want to select your spices. A simple blend of salt and pepper will add flavour to your chicken, but you can also add other spices to create a more complex and robust flavour profile. Some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chilli powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a sweet element with brown sugar, or a savoury note with Italian seasoning.

Mix your spices

Once you've selected your spices, it's time to mix them together. Combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and mix well. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil to the spice mix to create a paste that will coat the chicken more easily.

Season your chicken

Now it's time to season your chicken legs. Place your chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top, then toss the chicken until it is completely coated. Make sure to get your hands in there and really rub the spices into the meat. You can also add the chicken and seasoning to a large zip-top bag and shake until the chicken is coated.

Customise your seasoning

Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like your food spicy, add more chilli powder or cayenne pepper. For a sweet and spicy flavour, combine a little brown sugar with the spices. You can also add some fresh garlic to the mix for an extra garlic kick.

Tips for seasoning

• Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and blends to find your perfect combination.
• Allow your chicken to marinate in the seasoning for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to really enhance the flavour.
• Make sure your chicken is dry before adding the seasoning. This will help the spices adhere to the meat and create a crispier skin.

Cooking the chicken

Start by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for getting that extra crispy skin. Place the chicken legs in a medium-sized bowl.

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and olive oil. You can use a variety of spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix them together and sprinkle the spices over the chicken legs. Toss the chicken until it is fully coated.

Place the chicken legs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not stacked, as airflow is essential for even cooking and crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken legs for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, flip the chicken legs and continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken legs, with smaller legs taking closer to 18 minutes and larger legs taking up to 22 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken legs even more succulent and juicy.

Serving suggestions

These crispy chicken legs can be served with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas:

• Chips or fries
• Salad, such as a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing, or a spinach strawberry salad
• Coleslaw, either classic or Asian slaw
• Potato salad, such as sweet potato salad, healthy potato salad, or pesto potato salad
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes
• Rice, such as chicken fried rice
• Ramen, such as easy chicken ramen
• Soup, such as Tuscan chicken soup
• Beans, such as baked beans
• Corn casserole
• Brussels sprouts
• Potato wedges or funeral potatoes
• Bread, such as an air fryer baked potato

You can also use the cooked chicken to make other recipes, such as chicken ala king.

For a saucier option, serve with your favourite steak sauce, or try a creamy mushroom sauce.

Frequently asked questions