Experience the perfect blend of crispy skin and tender meat with this foolproof Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe. Using the magic of air frying technology, these chicken legs turn out golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
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Why you will love this recipe
- It's quick - the chicken cooks in just 15 minutes
- It's easy with 2 simple steps
- Flavor packed when you use my Mexican chicken marinad
- So versatile - use any marinade or seasoning you like!
- A healthy, cheap and easy dinner recipe all ready to serve with side dishes such as potato salad, a green salad or potatoes
What you need to cook Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Chicken legs: I used the whole leg (thigh + drumstick) for this recipe, but you can also use either, or another cut of chicken like chicken breasts, chicken tenders or thin chicken breasts. Just reduce the cook time slightly. You can also check out this Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
- Seasonings can be adjusted - shown here are the ingredients for my Mexican chicken marinade, which is a great option for air frying chicken legs. You can also use my Lemon Chicken Marinade, or you favorite marinade, chicken seasoning mixture or spices.
How to cook Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Place chicken legs in a preheated air fryer basket
- Air fry until done, flipping them at least once along the way
Tips & tricks
- Preheat your air fryer for best results
- Flip the chicken at least once for a nice, even, sear
- Do not overcrowd the basket - cook in a single layer, and make sure there's enough room between the chicken legs for the air to circulate
- Don't overcook the chicken - cook i until just done
- Chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear
- Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is done
- If your chicken is almost done - just a few degrees away from your target - you can remove it from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminum foil. Rest 5 minutes and it will be done.
Storing, reheating and freezing instructions
Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze leftovers to keep them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer. Check out this guide for how to reheat bone-in chicken.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use chicken wings instead of legs?
Yes, you can use chicken wings instead of legs. Check out this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings for full instructions.
At what temperature and how long do I cook leg quarters in air fryer?
Cook chicken leq quarters 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
How long to cook chicken legs in oven at 400?
If you want to cook chicken legs in the oven instead, cook them for 40-50 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If you're cooking just the drumstick, cook for 35-40 minutes instead.
More quick & easy air fryer recipes
Looking for more quick & easy air fryer recipes?
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
- Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Dumplings
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Print RateServings: 4
Calories: 317kcal
Cook time: 15 minutes
Preheating 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken legs whole legs or just drumsticks or bone-in thighs
Mexican Chicken Marinade (or other marinade or seasoning)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or a neutral cooking oil
- 2 tablespoon lime juice fresh squeezed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fine table salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients for your marinade or spice rub in a bowl and mix well.2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon fine table salt
- Place chicken in a large plastic bag and pour over the marinade. Tie a knot on the bag and massage the chicken to spread out the marinade evenly.2 lb chicken legs
- If using a marinade, allow to marinate at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer by runinng it at 400℉ (200℃) for 5 minutes.
- Place chicken legs in air fryer basket and air fry 15 minutes, flipping them once every 5 minutes.
- Make sure they are cooked through, then serve!
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
Notes
This recipe was tested in a Philips HD9252/90 Air Fryer* and a Ninja DZ401 DualZone XL Air Fryer*. Cook time can vary with your air fryer model.
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- Seasonings can be adjusted - the recipe included here is for my Mexican chicken marinade, which is a great option for air frying chicken legs. You can also use my Lemon Chicken Marinade, or you favorite marinade or chicken seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer * for best results
- Flip the chicken at least once for a nice, even, sear
- Do not overcrowd the basket - cook in a single layer, and make sure there's enough room between the chicken legs for the air to circulate
- Don't overcook the chicken - cook i until just done
- Chicken is done when the internal temperature * is 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear
- Use a meat thermometer * to check if your chicken is done
- If your chicken is almost done - just a few degrees away from your target - you can remove it from the air fryer * and wrap it in aluminum foil. Rest 5 minutes and it will be done.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze leftovers to keep them for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer *. Check out this guide for how to reheat bone-in chicken.
Nutrition
Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 305mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
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