These air fryer chicken legs deliver restaurant-worthy results in just 30 minutes total. Golden-brown, crispy skin wraps around incredibly juicy meat that’s seasoned to perfection. At only 219 calories per serving and packed with 17g of protein, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this foolproof recipe guarantees mouthwatering results every single time.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Drumsticks: 5-8 fresh pieces, pat dry before use
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps achieve golden-brown skin
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, adds Mediterranean flair
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for savory depth
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, creates beautiful color and smoky flavor
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, adds aromatic taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for perfect seasoning balance
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (5 minutes)
- Season Mix: Combine all spices in a small bowl until well blended
- Oil Coating: Place drumsticks in a zipper bag, add olive oil, and toss to coat evenly
- Seasoning: Add spice mixture to the bag and toss until drumsticks are well-coated
- First Cook: Place drumsticks in oiled air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes
- Flip & Finish: Turn drumsticks over and cook additional 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Final Touch: Add extra 5 minutes for desired crispiness and serve hot
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
Your air fryer needs good airflow to make crispy chicken legs! Space the drumsticks out in the basket – don’t stack them. If cooking more than 6-8 legs at once, work in batches instead of overcrowding. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasonings for extra-crispy skin.
Easy Seasoning Swaps
Feel free to mix up the seasonings based on what you love! Try cajun seasoning for some heat, lemon pepper for bright citrus flavor, or BBQ seasoning for that cookout taste. Just keep the total amount of seasonings about the same. The olive oil helps everything stick to the chicken, but you can also use avocado oil or melted butter.
Make It a Meal
These juicy chicken legs go great with simple sides. Try them with a crisp garden salad, roasted potatoes, or corn on the cob. Want to keep things super easy? Toss some baby carrots or broccoli florets in the air fryer for the last 8 minutes of cooking. The drippings from the chicken will give your veggies amazing flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Keep leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until hot. This helps keep the skin crispy – much better than using the microwave! You can also enjoy them cold in sandwiches or salads.
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.
