I’m absolutely obsessed with my air fryer, and this recipe is one of the main reasons why! These Air Fryer Chicken Legs are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful—without all the oil and hassle of traditional frying. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a healthy, protein-packed meal the whole family will love.
5 Reasons I Love My Air Fryer:
- Healthier Cooking – Less oil, fewer calories, same crispy texture.
- Faster Meals – It cuts cooking time significantly.
- Easy Cleanup – Fewer pans = less mess.
- Versatility – From veggies to desserts, it does it all.
- Perfect for Weeknights – Quick, hands-off dinners in no time.
Whether you’re new to air frying or already a fan, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Crispy Without the Oil: Air fryer gives you that perfect crunch—no deep frying needed.
- Healthy & Family-Friendly: High in protein, low in fuss, and loved by kids and adults.
- Customizable Flavors: Use your favorite spices or sauces to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for make-ahead lunches or weeknight dinners.
If you haven’t tried these Chicken Legs, now it’s time!! Not only do they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, but you also get to enjoy a healthier version without all the excess oil that frying usually requires. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! No greasy pans or splatters to deal with – just pop the basket in the dishwasher, and you’re done.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal that the whole family will love. I adore how versatile chicken legs are, and the air fryer brings out flavors that are simply fantastic.
What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Legs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy air fryer drumsticks:
- Chicken legs (skin-on for extra crisp)
- Olive oil or avocado oil – helps the seasoning stick and crisps the skin
- Seasonings: Paprika, Black Pepper, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Dried oregano or thyme, Salt & pepper, Optional: cayenne for a spicy kick
You can customize the spice blend to your taste or use a pre-made chicken rub.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Prep the chicken: First things first, you’ll want to make sure your chicken legs are prepped and ready to go. Start by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps the skin get that perfect crispiness when cooked. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the chicken legs with olive oil and all your seasonings until well coated.
- Cook: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10–12 minutes.
- Check temperature: Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Dry the skin well before seasoning for maximum crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid over- or under-cooking.
- Add sauce at the end if you want BBQ or buffalo-style legs.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Legs
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled chicken legs for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Use the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
FAQ – Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Can I use frozen chicken legs?
Yes, but thaw them fully first for even cooking and better seasoning adhesion.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Not necessary! The seasoning mix is bold enough, but you can marinate overnight if you prefer.
Can I use boneless chicken?
You can, but reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes and check for doneness early.
How do I make them spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your seasoning blend.
Side Dish Suggestions
Serve your air fryer chicken legs with:
Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
Sauteed Broccolini with Garlic Lemon Butter
Roasted Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Easy Paleo & Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is truly a game-changer for quick, healthy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, air fryer chicken legs are a reliable go-to. Don’t forget to pin this recipe and come back to it anytime you need something fast, crispy, and absolutely delicious!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Passive Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 4 chicken legs
- 4 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tbsp Salt
Ingredients
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- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken legs with olive oil and all your seasonings until well coated.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10–12 minutes.
- Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
