These Crispy Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer are ready in less than 20 minutes! They are incredibly juicy, and after one bite into the crunchy skin, you won't want to cook them in the oven or deep fryer again!
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If you've spent time on my blog, you know that one of my favorite cooking methods is air frying. I love to make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Halibut, and Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs.
Like my Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops and Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings, the best part about these juicy chicken legs is that they are made with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have.
Love this recipe? Make Sweet and Spicy Chili Chicken Legs or Smoked Chicken Legs next!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's a quick and easy way to make a delicious chicken dinner.
- They get super-duper crispy without any breading or flour at all.
- Perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with Goat Cheese Salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- Chicken legs. I used bone-in chicken legs with skin. I could fit seven chicken legs in my air fryer basket at a time.
- Olive oil.
- Baking powder. This is the secret ingredient for getting crispy chicken legs.
- Chicken dry rub, or your favorite spice mixture. I used my homemade chicken rub that tastes amazing on any chicken. You could also use lemon pepper or Italian seasoning.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Crispy Chicken Legs In Air Fryer
To make this air fryer chicken drumstick recipe, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Dry the chicken with a paper towel.
Brush the raw chicken with olive oil.
Next, mix the seasoning and baking powder in a small bowl.
Then, apply the mixture to the chicken legs. Make sure to cover the entire chicken leg.
Next, place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes.
After the chicken drumsticks cook for 8 minutes, flip them over.
Air fry the chicken legs for another 7 minutes until crispy and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken in the thickest part should be 165 degrees F.
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 3-4 minutes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess moisture.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or on a plate with your favorite sides.
Substitutions
- Chicken legs: Use chicken breasts or thighs.
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil, cooking spray, or vegetable oil
- Chicken rub: Use your favorite spice rub for chicken. I used my own Homemade Dry Chicken Rub, which contains brown sugar, garlic powder, Roasted garlic and pepper seasoning, paprika, chili powder, seasoning salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Of course, salt and pepper are a must, but you can also add smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or any other spices you enjoy.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub.
- Low carb: Make these chicken legs low carb by omitting the brown sugar from the spice rub.
Variations
- Coat your chicken legs in a mixture of flour and spices before cooking them in the air fryer. This will give them an extra crispy coating that is full of flavor.
- Use different seasonings on your chicken legs. Some great ones are a Cajun spice blend, Italian herbs, or even just salt and pepper for a simple but tasty option.
- Don't forget about sauces! Dip your chicken legs in BBQ sauce, hot sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Related Recipes: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Quarters and Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Legs.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the chicken legs individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a Ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until hot.
Expert Tips
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken legs.
- Cook the chicken legs in a single layer.
- You may need to cook them in batches if necessary.
- Flip the chicken legs halfway during cooking.
- Check on the chicken legs to prevent overcooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs, making sure they are 165 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A serving of two chicken legs has approximately 338 calories.
Drumsticks take about 15 minutes in the air fryer.
No, you should not stack chicken legs in an air fryer. To ensure that they cook evenly, place them in a single layer and don't overcrowd the air fryer. The hot air needs to circulate around the chicken legs so they crisp up nicely.
More easy chicken recipes
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- Jeri
Printable Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6-7 chicken legs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dry chicken rub link for homemade rub is down below in the notes
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil.
- Mix together the seasoning and baking powder in a small bowl. Cover the chicken legs with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8 minutes at 400℉.
- Flip the chicken legs over, and cook for 7 more minutes at 400℉. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, and the chicken is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes and enjoy!
Video
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Notes
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken legs.
- Cook the chicken legs in a single layer.
- You may need to cook them in batches if necessary.
- Flip the chicken legs halfway during cooking.
- Check on the chicken legs to prevent overcooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs, making sure they are 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
Rod says
While recuperating up at Jeri's, I had the opportunity to try the air-fried chicken legs.
The meat was so tender and delicious. Would recommend it to anybody! Thanks, Jeri. DAD.
Jeri says
Thanks, Dad! 🙂 Thanks for being my taste tester! 🙂
Erica Leigh says
I am excited to try these adding them to the menu for tomorrow night.
Jeri says
That's awesome! Let me know how you like them! 🙂