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air fryer chicken legs recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks seasoned with simple pantry spices and cooked at 380–400°F until golden outside and fully cooked inside.
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Cook Time 14 minutes
Preheat Time 5 minutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Smoked paprika to taste
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Onion powder to taste
  • Baking powder optional
  • BBQ sauce optional
  • Garlic herb compound butter optional
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer with basket or crisper rack
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Choose chicken drumsticks that are similar in size for more even cooking.
  2. Pat the chicken legs dry well with paper towels.
  3. Season the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. For extra crispiness, optionally dust the chicken legs lightly with baking powder.
  5. For added flavor, optionally marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 380–400°F for about 5 minutes.
  7. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket skin side down without overcrowding.
  8. Air fry for 7–10 minutes.
  9. Flip the chicken legs and cook for another 7–10 minutes.
  10. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer and make sure the chicken reaches at least 165°F.
  11. For BBQ chicken legs, brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
  12. Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.

Notes

Preheat Time: about 5 minutes.
Cook Time (full range): 14–20 minutes.
Air Fryer Temperature: 380–400°F.
Optional Marinade Time: at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Chicken must reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350–400°F for about 1–5 minutes.