Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
179 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
Description
Air Fryer Chicken Legs use a marinade blending garlic and onion powders, olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and optional heat from sriracha and ginger for depth of flavor. The drumsticks are coated and optionally marinated briefly before air frying at 375°F. Cooking involves a first phase of 15 minutes followed by flipping and an additional 10-minute cook to achieve a browned, crisp skin. Internal temperature checks ensure they reach safe doneness.
The resulting chicken legs present a combination of a browned, crispy exterior with tender and moist meat thanks to the marinade's balance of salty, sweet, and tangy elements. The air fryer method provides a reliable and efficient cooking process that reduces oil usage compared to traditional frying.
These chicken legs pair well with a variety of sides and are convenient for weeknight meals. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated in the air fryer to refresh their texture. They also freeze well for up to three months, and guidance is given for reheating both thawed and frozen portions.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ tablespoon olive oil or half peanut oil and half sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger optional
- 5 tablespoon soy sauce use one that is gluten-free for a keto recipe, low sodium
- 2 tablespoon honey use sugar-free maple syrup for a keto recipe
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or any hot sauce
- 8 chicken drumstick take out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375° F (190° C) for at least 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, gather the ingredients and prepare the marinade.
- Whisk together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, olive oil, lime juice, ground ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha in a large bowl.
- Put the drumsticks into the bowl and massage them with the mixture until fully covered. If you have time, let them marinate at room temp for 20-30 minutes at least. Otherwise, skip marinating!
- Place medium to large chicken drumsticks into the air fryer tray or basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air to circulate. This is key for even cooking!
- Cook them for 15 minutes. Then, flip the legs and cook for 10 minutes more. They will have a nice browned exterior. Check the internal temp with a thermometer – it must reach 160° F (71° C). If not, cook for 3-5 minutes more until cooked through. For smaller drumsticks, it will take less time to cook (around 18-20 minutes total).
- If cooking whole chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks attached together), it should take about 30-40 minutes total to fully cook.
- Garnish them with chopped green onion and sesame seeds. Serve with a side of your choice.
Notes
- Use gluten-free tamari and sugar-free syrup as alternatives for keto-friendly versions.
- Store cooked chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze cooked drumsticks up to 3 months; reheat from frozen in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes or thaw first.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 179 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 179kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 874mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 219mg | 5% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 38IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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