These air fryer chicken legs are a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners, combining tangy mustard and creamy mayo for maximum flavor. With just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have juicy, perfectly cooked chicken that’s both healthy and delicious.
At only 195 calories per serving, this protein-rich dish delivers a satisfying meal while keeping your healthy eating goals on track. The simple mayo-mustard coating creates an incredibly tender result that’ll make this recipe a family favorite.
Ingredients for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Chicken Legs: 8 pieces, trimmed of excess skin and fat
- Mayonnaise: 4 tablespoons, helps create a golden-brown crust
- Mustard: 2 tablespoons, adds tanginess and depth
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, finely minced for best flavor distribution
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: Mix mayonnaise, mustard, minced garlic, and all seasonings in a bowl until smooth and well combined
- Prep the Chicken: Clean chicken legs thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels
- Season: Generously coat all sides of chicken legs with the prepared mayo-mustard mixture
- First Air Fry: Place legs in a single layer in air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes
- Flip and Finish: Turn legs over and continue cooking for 10 minutes until golden-brown
- Check Doneness: Add 5-7 extra minutes if needed until chicken is fully cooked through
Smart Air Fryer Tips
The secret to perfect air fryer chicken legs is all about spacing! Leave a little room between each piece so the hot air can work its magic. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s better to do multiple batches than to crowd the basket. Also, that flip halfway through isn’t just a suggestion – it helps create that amazing crispy skin all around!
Quick Flavor Swaps
Love to mix things up? Try these tasty changes to the mayo-mustard coating:
- Swap regular mustard with Dijon for extra tang
- Add a tablespoon of honey for sweet and savory flavor
- Mix in some Italian herbs like basil and oregano
- Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce Just keep the mayo base – it’s what makes the outside perfectly crispy!
Serving Ideas
These chicken legs are perfect with simple sides! Try them with:
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted potato wedges
- Steamed broccoli
- Corn on the cob
- Cole slaw The sauce from the chicken is amazing for dipping your veggies too!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right back up! The microwave works too, but you’ll lose some of that lovely crunch.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Plastic Zipper Bag
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken and Oil
- 5 Chicken Drumsticks up to 8 drumsticks
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine spices in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a plastic zipper bag. Add olive oil and toss to coat. Add spice mixture to the bag and toss to coat.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, then place the drumsticks inside and cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip drumsticks and cook for another 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Add another 5 minutes of cooking time, until cooked to desired doneness. Serve immediately.
