How to Cook Juicy, Crispy Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer

In recent years, air fryers have become more popular as a quick, easy, and healthier way to make tasty fried foods at home. Chicken legs are one of the best things to cook in an air fryer because they come out crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.

If you’ve never cooked chicken legs in an air fryer before, have no fear! It’s actually very simple and straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make mouthwateringly delicious air fryer chicken legs, from start to finish.

Benefits of Cooking Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer

There are many great reasons to use an air fryer when cooking chicken legs

• It’s better for you because air-frying uses a lot less oil than deep-frying, so the chicken is lower in fat and calories. With the air fryer, you can enjoy fried foods without all the extra fat.

• Super quick cooking time – Chicken legs cook very quickly in an air fryer, usually in 20-30 minutes total. The hot circulating air cooks food fast.

• Gets skin extra crispy – The air fryer is unmatched when it comes to getting the chicken skin perfectly crisped up. The high heat and air circulation leads to excellent crunch.

• Saves you time – With quicker cooking times, using an air fryer means you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights.

• Easy to clean—After cooking, air fryers are very simple to clean. Minimal oil means less mess!.

How to Choose Chicken Legs for Air Frying

When selecting chicken legs for air frying, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:

• Get skin-on, bone-in chicken legs – The skin and bones help keep the chicken legs juicy and add flavor. Skinless or boneless legs can dry out in the air fryer.

• Pick fresh, plump legs – Choose legs that look fresh and fleshy, not shriveled. This indicates fresher quality.

• Make sure the legs are all about the same size. This will help them cook evenly. Avoid an unusually large or small leg.

• Choose organic and free-range – Chicken labeled organic or free-range often have better flavor and texture.

• Pick drumsticks, thighs, or both – Chicken legs are comprised of the drumstick and thigh. You can use either piece or both together.

Seasoning and Preparing Chicken Legs for the Air Fryer

Properly preparing and seasoning the chicken legs before air frying is the key to maximizing flavor. Here are some easy ways to do it:

• Pat the legs dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin. Dry skin crisps up better.

• Apply seasoning – Coat both sides of the legs with salt, pepper, spices, or dry rubs. Some good options are garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.

• Consider marinating – For more flavor, marinate legs for 30 mins – 4 hours before cooking. A marinade with oil, herbs, spices, or acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar adds lots of taste.

• Let marinated legs sit out – If marinated, let legs sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly later.

• Brush with oil – Right before air frying, brush a thin layer of oil over the legs. A light coating of oil aids crisping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked air fryer chicken legs every time:

1. Pre-heat the Air Fryer

• Pre-heating is a must for crispy skin and proper cooking. Turn air fryer on 5 minutes before cooking to pre-heat to around 400°F.

2. Place Chicken Legs in Fryer Basket

• Add legs to fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Overcrowding inhibits even cooking.

3. Set Air Fryer Timer

• Cook legs for around 25-30 minutes. For very large legs, add 5 minutes. After 15 minutes, shake basket or flip legs.

4. Check Temperature

• Chicken legs are safely cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F-170°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

5. Remove and Let Sit

• When finished cooking, remove legs from air fryer immediately and let sit 5 minutes before eating. This helps juices redistribute.

6. Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Chicken Legs!

• Your air fried chicken legs are now ready to enjoy! The skin should be crispy and browned while the meat is succulent and tender. Dig in!

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Apply these useful tips for guaranteed tender, juicy chicken legs with crispy skin:

• Pat legs very dry before cooking – Moisture prevents crisping. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• Use a thin oil coating – Brush legs lightly with oil right before air frying. Oil aids browning.

• Try baking powder – Rubbing a bit of baking powder on the skin can help dehydrate the skin for extra crispness.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Give legs room to allow air flow around each piece for even cooking.

• Spray basket with oil – Lightly spraying basket with oil prevents sticking.

• Cook frozen legs longer – Add 5-10 extra minutes if cooking legs straight from frozen.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Legs

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up your freshly cooked air fryer chicken legs. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Serve with classic southern-style sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or corn on the cob.

• Toss legs in Buffalo, BBQ, or honey-mustard sauce for added flavors.

• Pair with fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a lighter meal.

• Top legs with chimichurri or pesto sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an Italian flair.

• Make tasty chicken leg sandwiches on brioche buns with crispy skin sticking out.

• Chop up leftovers to make scrumptious chicken salad for sandwiches.

• Serve drumsticks on a pool of ** sticky Asian sauce** over rice for a fun finger-food dinner.

The possibilities are truly endless with air fryer chicken legs! Take advantage of how quick and easy they are to make by enjoying them on repeat.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Legs

Leftover air fryer chicken legs keep well for 3-4 days stored properly. Follow these tips:

• Allow legs to cool completely before refrigerating in a covered container.

• Store legs in the coldest part of the fridge, towards the back.

• Reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven or air fryer until hot, about 10 minutes.

• Microwave leftovers for 1-2 minutes until heated through, checking for hot spots.

With an air fryer, making irresistibly juicy, crispy, flavor-packed chicken legs has never been easier. Just follow these handy tips for finger-licking success. Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried chicken and hello to your new favorite healthy chicken dinner!