Are you a fan of crispy chicken but trying to avoid unhealthy deep-fried options? Look no further than crispy air fryer chicken legs!
This recipe is the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy meat, all without lots of extra oil and the calories of traditional fried chicken.
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One of the best things about cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is how easy it is. With just a few simple ingredients you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Plus, air fryers cook chicken legs evenly, so you don't have to worry about one piece being overcooked while another is undercooked.
👩🍳Love air fryer chicken? Try my easy homemade air fryer chicken nuggets or crispy air fryer chicken wings next!
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With easy-to-follow recipes & instructions, you'll be able to master the art of air fryer cooking in no time. Buy now for £2.99!
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✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, this recipe significantly reduces the amount of oil and calories in traditional fried chicken. This makes it a healthier option that you can enjoy guilt-free.
- Despite being healthier, this recipe still delivers all the delicious flavour and texture of traditional fried chicken. The chicken legs come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- It's very easy to make, with only a few ingredients and simple instructions. You can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in less than 40 minutes.
- Experiment with different flavours and spices. You can make it spicy, zesty, or sweet depending on your preferences.
- They make a great main course for a family dinner or a fun and easy snack.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Chicken Legs - are a cut of chicken that include both the thigh and drumstick. They are a great source of lean protein and have a rich, juicy flavour.
Smoked Paprika - a spice made from dried, smoked peppers. It has a deep, smoky flavour that adds a delicious depth to any dish.
Oregano - a herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. It has a slightly bitter, pungent flavour that pairs well with chicken.
Cayenne - a type of chilli pepper that is commonly used to add heat to dishes. It has a bright, spicy flavour that can range from mild to hot.
Light Brown Sugar - adds a touch of sweetness to savoury dishes.
Salt & Pepper- helps to enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients and can also be used to balance out sweetness or acidity.
Olive Oil - to coat the chicken and make the skin crispy.
🔪 How to air fry chicken legs
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post
One: Place the chicken legs in a large bowl then mix in all the other ingredients. Make sure every bit of chicken is coated in the spice rub.
Two: Air fry skin side down at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
Three: Flip over with tongs and continue to cook for a further 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75C.
Four: Serve with your choice of sides.
Top Tips
- Make sure to pat the chicken legs dry before seasoning them to ensure the skin gets crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the chicken legs from getting crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken legs are fully cooked before serving.
- Strip any leftover chicken from the bone and make leftover chicken curry or leftover chicken tacos. You could also add the cooked chicken to soup.
🍴 Serving suggestions
These crispy air fryer chicken legs are delicious on their own or served with your favourite dipping sauce. Try them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Here are some of my favourite sides to serve with chicken legs;
- Curried Rice Salad
- Air Fryer Chips
- Apple Coleslaw
- Rocket Salad
- Mini Hasselback Potatoes
- Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
- Turmeric Rice
📖 Variations
- Make them spicy and add a pinch of chilli flakes to the rub.
- Swap the paprika rub for BBQ sauce or Italian seasoning.
- Use chicken drumsticks, chicken wings or chicken thighs instead of chicken legs. You'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Try the rub on salmon fillets.
🥡 Storage
Store - If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also wrap them tightly in cling film or foil. Before storing, make sure the chicken legs have cooled down to room temperature. You can store them with or without the bones. If you remove the bones, the chicken will take up less space in the container.
Freeze - If you want to keep the chicken legs for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each leg individually in cling film or foil, or place them in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken legs can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheat - When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat it to 190°C/375°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 180°C/ 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
❓ Frequently asked questions
While chicken legs are recommended for this recipe, you can use chicken breasts instead. Just be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce all pair well with these chicken legs.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken legs for a few hours before cooking them to add extra flavour.
Yes always preheat your air fryer, and get it up to temperature before cooking your food.
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Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Legs skin on
For the rub
- 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Light Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200℃/400℉.
- Place the chicken legs in a large bowl then mix in all the other ingredients. Make sure every bit of chicken is coated in the spice rub.4 Chicken Legs, 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1 teaspoon Oregano, ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, ½ teaspoon Light Brown Sugar, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Air fry skin side down at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
- Flip the chicken legs over with tongs and continue to cook for a further 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches over 75℃/165℉. All air fryer models vary so it's best to check with a meat thermometer.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken legs dry before seasoning them to ensure the skin gets crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the chicken legs from getting crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken legs are fully cooked before serving.
- Make them spicy and add a pinch of chilli flakes to the rub.
- Swap the paprika rub for BBQ sauce or Italian seasoning.
- Use chicken wings or chicken thighs instead of chicken legs.
- Try the rub on salmon fillets.
⭐Air Fryer Recipe eBook⭐
With easy-to-follow recipes & instructions, you'll be able to master the art of air fryer cooking in no time. Buy now for £2.99!
gunjan says
As the name suggests it truly came out crispy and yet juicy from inside. We loved this recipe.
Jen says
This is perfect!! My kids loved it! A new favorite at my house!
Kushigalu says
Love this air fryer version of chicken legs. Pinned to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
TAYLER ROSS says
Any chance I can use my air fryer, I love it! These chicken legs look perfect and I can't wait to make them for dinner tonight!
Dannii says
Such a great way to cook chicken legs. Perfectly cooked every time.