Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Crispy + Juicy)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
18 mins
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Total Time
23 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
207 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Crispy + Juicy)
Description
This recipe prepares chicken legs by first patting them dry, then tossing with olive oil and a spice blend including paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. The spiced chicken legs cook in an air fryer preheated to 390°F, with cooking split between initial browning and turning to ensure even crispiness and thorough doneness.
The high heat of the air fryer crisps the skin while keeping the interior moist and juicy. The mixture of paprika and chili powder adds gentle warmth and color, while brown sugar contributes a subtle caramelized sweetness to the exterior. Monitoring the internal temperature to 165°F confirms the chicken is safely cooked without overcooking.
Cooking in a single layer assures air circulation needed for crispness; multiple batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding. The drumsticks can be served plain or brushed with favorite sauces such as barbecue or buffalo after cooking according to preference.
Patting chicken dry beforehand removes moisture that would reduce crispiness. Using air fryer liners simplifies cleanup. A meat thermometer is recommended for checking doneness accurately. Adjusting the air fryer temperature down if the chicken browns too fast helps avoid burning.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken leg about 6 legs, drumsticks
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and pour the oil on top. Toss to coat the chicken with the oil.
- Mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture on the chicken legs and toss well to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
- Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can line the basket with an air fryer liner for easy clean up, if desired. Cook 10 minutes until browned, then flip the drumsticks over and cook another 8-10 minutes until done (the chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). If the chicken is getting too dark, lower the air fryer temperature to 375 or 380°F.
- Serve chicken legs with desired side dishes.
Notes
- Pat chicken legs dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin.
- Use an air fryer liner or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air circulation.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer aiming for 165°F internal temperature.
- Optionally brush cooked chicken legs with sauces like barbecue or buffalo after cooking for extra flavor.
- If chicken browns too quickly, lower air fryer temperature to 375 or 380°F to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 207 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 drumstick | |
| Calories | 207kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 367mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 195mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 294IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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