Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Chicken Legs are a simple way to get crispy skin and juicy meat for a quick dinner. This method saves time compared to a traditional oven and uses less oil. You only need a few basic seasonings from your cupboard to make a tasty meal. It is a reliable technique that works well every time you want a hassle free main course.
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 (15 ratings)
Share the recipe here
Photo of Air Fryer Chicken Legs cooked in the air fryer

Why you should make air fryer chicken legs

Using an is great because the hot air circulates around the meat to make it extra crunchy. Chicken Legs stay moist on the inside while the outside gets perfectly browned. You do not have to wait a long time for a large oven to heat up which saves energy. It is also easier to clean up afterwards since most baskets are dishwasher safe.

How to prepare air fryer chicken legs

Step 1
Preparation: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove all moisture from the skin. Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil and the spices until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2
Preheating: Set your to 200 degrees Celsius and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. A preheated basket helps the skin start to crisp as soon as the meat touches the surface.
Step 3
Frying: Arrange the chicken in the basket in a single layer without overlapping them. Cook for 15 minutes to allow the heat to render the fat and brown the top side.
Step 4
Finishing: Turn the legs over using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Tips and tricks for air fryer chicken legs

Make sure to pat the skin dry with a paper towel before adding any oil or spices. This helps the skin become much crispier during the cooking process. Do not overcrowd the basket so the air can flow freely around each piece of meat. If you have very large legs you might need to add a few extra minutes to the timer. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the Chicken Legs are cooked through to 75 degrees Celsius. Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside.

You can find more inspiration in air fryer banana muffins, air fryer hokkaido pumpkin or air fryer chips.

Ingredients

servings
Adjust quantity
  • 4 chicken legs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1464 kJ / 350 kcal
  • Fat:22 g
  • - of which saturates:6 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:30 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:500 mg

People also ask

Air Fryer Chicken Legs usually takes about 25 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.9 / 5 - (15 ratings)