Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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, without the need for excessive oil.

Course Main Course

Cuisine North American

Cook Time 15

Preheating 5

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 317kcal

Author Emmeline Kemperyd

Equipment

Air Fryer*

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

US Customary - Metric

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!

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.

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