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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
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 651kcal
Author Beth Sachs

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.
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