Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
3
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Calories
317 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
Description
This recipe starts by patting chicken drumsticks dry and coating them with olive oil, then rolling them in a dry mix combining all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and onion powder. Baking powder is crucial here; it helps draw moisture from the skin and encourages crisping during cooking. The drumsticks are placed in the air fryer basket without overlapping to allow even hot air circulation.
They are cooked at 360°F for 10 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for another 10 minutes or until browned with some light charring. Using a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F ensures safe doneness. The seasoned coating yields a flavorful, crispy skin with moist meat inside without deep frying.
This method is convenient, producing chicken legs with less oil and mess than traditional frying. The seasoning can be varied according to taste, giving flexibility in flavor profiles. The crispy skin and tender meat balance make these drumsticks a satisfying main dish or snack.
They can also be baked in the oven at 425°F for 30-35 minutes with similar results. After cooking, tossing the chicken in a sauce of choice is optional to add additional layers of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 chicken drumstick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- You can remove the chicken skin or leave it on, whichever you prefer. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.
- In a small bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, ground pepper, baking powder, and onion powder.
- Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with the oil. Then add the flour mixture and stir until the drumsticks are well coated with the spice mixture.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Use parchment paper or foil in the basket to make cleanup easier.
- Air fry at 360 degrees F for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 10 minutes or until lightly brown and charred.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the chicken for doneness. It is done when it reaches 165 degrees F.
Notes
- Use baking powder in the seasoning mix to promote crispy skin on the chicken legs.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crisping.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- The seasoning blend can be swapped for favorites like Montreal steak or Italian seasoning.
- After cooking, toss with your preferred sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- The recipe can also be baked at 425°F for 30-35 minutes if you don't have an air fryer.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 317 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 317kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 139mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 548mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 514mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 564IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 81mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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