The chicken drumsticks in this delicious dish are very tender and make your mouth water on the inside, while the skin on the outside is golden, crispy, and flavored with herbs. All made with ease in your air fryer.
We start with 8 fresh chicken legs (drumsticks). If you have frozen chicken legs, I recommend thawing them first for best results. Make sure the chicken is skin-on, as that’s where we get a ton of flavor. I like to look for good, plump chicken legs that have been cut and packaged well. And the great thing is, they’re usually very affordable!.
I think you’ll find most of the rub ingredients are already in your pantry or spice rack.
If you’re missing any of the ingredients, you can just leave it out. But you’ll get the full flavor profile with this awesome mix of ingredients.
Everyone loves a simple recipe and this one certainly fits in that category. Coat the chicken with a little olive oil, add the seasoning mix, and get the chicken good and coated with everything. Really, that’s it!.
There are a lot of people who love using air fryers to make tasty fried foods without all the extra oil. Air fryer chicken legs are a dish that a lot of people love to make. When chicken legs are cooked right, they are very juicy, tender, and full of flavor. However, nailing the right cooking time can be tricky. Undercook them and the meat is unsafe to eat. If you cook them for too long, they will be tough and dry. What’s the best amount of time to air fry chicken legs? Let’s find out.
Factors that Determine Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that impact the total cooking time
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Size of the chicken legs – Thicker meatier drums and thighs take longer than smaller thinner pieces.
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Amount being cooked – The more chicken you add, the longer the overall cooking time since it’s harder for the hot air to circulate evenly.
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Preparation method – Chicken legs with breading or sauce coatings require a few extra minutes. Plain chicken cooks fastest.
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How you like your meat done—Dark meat is safe to eat at 165°F If you want meat that is more tender and falls off the bone, set the temperature to 170°F to 175°F.
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Air fryer wattage – Lower-wattage models may need a couple extra minutes compared to more powerful air fryers.
Recommended Air Fryer Chicken Leg Cooking Times
Taking these factors into account, here are the approximate air fryer cooking times for chicken legs:
- 4-6 small drumsticks (1-1.5 lbs): 18-22 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 medium drumsticks (1.5-2 lbs): 20-25 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 large drumsticks (2-2.5 lbs): 22-28 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 small thighs (1-1.5 lbs): 15-18 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 medium thighs (1.5-2 lbs): 17-20 minutes at 380°F
- 4-6 large thighs (2-2.5 lbs): 20-25 minutes at 380°F
For the best results, shake the basket every half an hour and always check the meat’s doneness by taking a temperature reading in the thickest part.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Chicken Legs
Follow this simple process for flawlessly cooked chicken legs every time:
- Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with oil or cooking spray
- Season as desired
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in air fryer basket, avoiding overlap
- Air fry at 380°F, shaking basket halfway through
- Cook until crispy outside and internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving
Tip: To get the best texture, brine the chicken legs before you air fry them. The salt solution keeps the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
Common Air Fryer Chicken Leg Mistakes to Avoid
While air frying chicken legs is super easy, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Overcrowding – Too much chicken prevents even cooking. Go for a single layer.
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Insufficient oil – A light coat of oil helps prevent drying out. Don’t skip this step.
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Flipping too often – Only flip halfway to allow even browning. Excess handling leads to sogginess.
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Incorrect temperature – The ideal range is 380-400°F. Any lower won’t crisp the skin sufficiently.
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Not preheating – Give the air fryer 3-5 minutes to fully preheat before adding food.
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Skipping rest time – Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy.
Cooking Chicken Legs to Perfection Has Never Been Easier
By following these air fryer chicken leg cooking times and helpful tips, you’ll be able to achieve the ultimate texture – crispy exterior, juicy interior. Adjust cook times based on the size of your chicken and your preferred level of doneness. With minimal prep, these oven-fried chicken legs are ready in under 30 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will devour. Ditch the deep fryer and make healthier, delicious air fried chicken legs in your kitchen tonight!
Air Fry at 400°(F) for 20 Minutes
Cooking the chicken couldn’t be any easier as well. Preheat your air fryer at 400°(F) for 5 minutes. When it’s ready, add the chicken legs to the basket or tray, and set to air fry at 400°(F) for 20 minutes. Turn the chicken legs a couple of times during the cooking time to assure even roasting. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°(F) when done. You can always add more time if needed.
You Might Also Like…
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- The best damn air-fried chicken wings are easy to season and ready in less than 30 minutes.
- This is the best damn air fryer whole chicken. You won’t believe how great a whole chicken tastes when cooked in an air fryer.
- Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas: This is the best recipe for an entire meal that you can make in your air fryer.
How I Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (what I did)
FAQ
How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?
When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 180C. Put the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, until they are charred and crispy. Serve with a potato salad and green crunchy leaves.
How long to do legs in an air fryer?
- Prep: 5 mins.
- Cook: 18 mins.
- Total: 28 mins.
How long do you cook chicken legs in an air fryer?
These air fryer chicken legs are seasoned with paprika and garlic and cook for just 20 in the air fryer until crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Perfect for a quick, easy, and fuss-free weeknight favorite! Nicole Russell is a prolific contributor to Allrecipes and an avid member of the Allrecipes Allstars. Oops! Something went wrong.
How long do chicken legs last in an air fryer?
Place the cooked chicken legs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh for up to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the air fryer can help restore their crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the chicken legs for about 10-15 minutes.
Should you air fry chicken legs?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider air frying your chicken legs: Healthier Option: Air fryers require much less oil than traditional frying methods, leading to lower calorie content without compromising taste. Quick Cooking: Air fryers heat up quickly, significantly reducing cooking time compared to conventional ovens.
Can you open an air fryer to check chicken legs?
Yes, you can open the air fryer to check on the chicken legs. However, be cautious as opening the air fryer can cause a decrease in temperature and increase cooking time. 12. How do I clean the air fryer after cooking chicken legs?.
Can you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. However, cooking times will vary. Wings cook faster while thighs will take slightly longer. Air fryer chicken legs are as simple as seasoning the chicken and pushing a couple of buttons! You get that irresistible crispy skin without deep frying. They’re delicious, fast, and mostly guilt-free.
How do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Add chicken to bag with vegetable oil and shake until all the chicken is coated. Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F. Add chicken to air fryer and use air fry setting at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning chicken halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°-185° when checked with an instant-read thermometer.