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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Published: Apr 26, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Air fryer chicken legs pin image.

    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.

    Four chicken legs in a Ninja air fryer.

    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 next!

    Check out my eBook⭐Easy Air Fryer Recipes⭐ which includes 20 straightforward and easy-to-follow recipes for your air fryer. You'll be a pro at air fryer cooking in no time! Don't miss out, get your copy today!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋More easy air fryer recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ 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

    Ingredients for crispy air fryer chicken legs.

    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.

    🔪 Instructions

    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.

    Chicken legs in an air fryer.

    💭 Expert 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 for a healthy and satisfying meal.

    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
    Crispy chicken legs in an air fryer basket.

    📖 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.

    A crispy air fryer chicken leg on a plate with rice and salad.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken legs?

    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.

    What dipping sauce pairs well with crispy air fryer chicken legs?

    Ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce all pair well with these chicken legs.

    Can I marinate the chicken legs before cooking them?

    Yes, you can marinate the chicken legs for a few hours before cooking them to add extra flavour.

    Should I preheat my air fryer?

    Yes always preheat your air fryer, and get it up to temperature before cooking your food.

    😋More easy air fryer recipes

    • Air fryer scone on a blue plate with jam and clotted cream.
      Easy Air Fryer Scones Recipe
    • Air fryer garlic bread.
      Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe
    • Air fryer banana bread.
      Easy Air Fryer Banana Bread Recipe
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      Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones Recipe

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    Recipe

    Air fryer chicken legs in a Ninja Foodi air fryer
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    5 from 6 votes

    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken? Try these crispy air fryer chicken legs! Easy to make and healthy!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine British
    Keyword air fryer chicken legs, crispy air fryer chicken legs
    Prep Time 4 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 34 minutes minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 651kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowl
    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 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

    Expert 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.
     
    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 wings or chicken thighs instead of chicken legs.
    • Try the rub on salmon fillets.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    651
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    97
    g
    149
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    25
    g
    156
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.3
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    19
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    44
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    479
    mg
    160
    %
    Sodium
     
    1600
    mg
    70
    %
    Potassium
     
    1182
    mg
    34
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    7
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    85
    g
    170
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    2689
    IU
    54
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    2
    mg
    2
    %
    Calcium
     
    93
    mg
    9
    %
    Iron
     
    5
    mg
    28
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. gunjan

      April 26, 2023 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      As the name suggests it truly came out crispy and yet juicy from inside. We loved this recipe.

      Reply
    2. Jen

      April 26, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      This is perfect!! My kids loved it! A new favorite at my house!

      Reply
    3. Kushigalu

      April 26, 2023 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Love this air fryer version of chicken legs. Pinned to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    4. TAYLER ROSS

      April 26, 2023 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    5. Dannii

      April 26, 2023 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great way to cook chicken legs. Perfectly cooked every time.

      Reply

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    Beth Sachs Food Blogger

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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