Air Fryer Chicken Legs are a flavorful recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With juicy drumsticks, crispy skin, and bold seasoning, this bone-in dish is ready in less than 30 minutes for a meal everyone will enjoy.
If you prefer the oven, I have the best Baked Chicken Legs recipe. And I love using chicken legs to make Filipino Chicken Adobo.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
If you’re craving the crunch of fried chicken but want a lighter, mess-free option, put your chicken legs in the air fryer. The chicken is generously seasoned with a mix of Cajun spices, lemon pepper, and paprika, so every bite is packed with flavor. Tossing the drumsticks in the seasoning is quick and easy, and with just 20 minutes of cooking time, dinner is on the table before you know it.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it's convenient, fast, and family-friendly. These crispy drumsticks are versatile and pair well with just about everything, whether you’re serving them with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even fries. Plus, no greasy mess means cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
- Chicken legs: Dark meat makes these air fryer chicken drumsticks succulent. Keep the skin on for crispy skin.
- Avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point and allows the seasoning to adhere to the chicken skin. You can substitute with olive oil if necessary.
- Cajun: Brings bold, spicy, and smoky flavors to the dish, creating a deliciously seasoned crust
- Lemon Pepper: This adds a tangy, citrusy kick that complements the Cajun spices and balances the overall flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Add for savory flavor.
- Onion Powder: This has a pungent and slightly sweet, with a sharp, savory flavor that intensifies when cooked.
- Paprika: This has a subtly sweet, earthy flavor with a smoky undertone.
- Black Pepper: Pepper adds some heat.
How to Cook Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Preheat your air fryer on the “air fry” mode at 375°F. Then place cleaned chicken legs in a large bowl. Drizzle avocado oil all over the chicken. Use tongs or gloved hands in order to rub the oil into each drumstick.
Season Chicken
Add all of the seasonings to the bowl with the chicken legs: Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoned salt (if using it), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Mix the seasonings in with the chicken so that each piece is completely coated.
Air Fry Chicken Legs
Then place your chicken drumsticks into the air fryer in one single layer.
Cook for 12 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
The chicken legs should be golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately and finally, enjoy!
How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to air fry chicken legs. Please note, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken.
When in doubt, use a meat thermometer to determine if the chicken is done. Chicken is ready to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro-Tips
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Starting with a hot air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a crispy skin right from the start.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the oil and seasonings stick better, creating a flavorful and crispy exterior.
- Toss the chicken thoroughly in oil. The oil not only helps the seasonings adhere but also aids in crisping up the skin without the need for breading.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer with space in between for air to circulate, which ensures even cooking and crispy results.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This guarantees that both sides cook evenly and achieve that golden, crispy finish.
- Check the internal temperature for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste. Cajun seasoning and seasoned salt can make the dish quite salty, so start with less if you’re unsure and adjust as needed.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Potatoes: Air fryer chicken legs and potatoes are a tasty combo! Try mashed potatoes, fries, or Crispy Smashed Potatoes.
- Veggies: Try brussels sprouts, string beans, asparagus, or collard greens.
- Mac and Cheese: This southern style mac and cheese is great for a soul food meal.
Storage
Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, add it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Alternatives and Variations
- Chicken: This recipe works best with dark meat. Swap the drumsticks for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You can air fry chicken breasts and chicken wings too but the cooking time will vary.
- Seasoning: Season the chicken however you like. Try adding cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or dried herbs.
- Sauce: Once the chicken is done, you can toss it in sauce if you like. BBQ sauce would be delicious.
FAQ
Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in the air fryer, and it’s perfectly safe when cooked properly. In this recipe, the chicken legs cook at 375°F for a total of 20 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Just make sure to follow the steps for seasoning and flipping to achieve crispy, flavorful results.
Can I use frozen chicken legs?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. This ensures the spices stick well and the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the oil and seasonings for a few hours or overnight will deepen the flavor. Just remember to pat it dry slightly before air frying to ensure crispiness. Try my delicious chicken marinade.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
After you try this Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 whole Chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons Avocado oil sub olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ tablespoon Lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned salt optional to taste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer on the “air fry” mode at 375°F.
- Now sprinkle in all of your seasonings including the: Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoned salt (if using it), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Mix the seasonings in with the chicken so that each piece is fully covered.
- Place your chicken into the air fryer in one single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- The chicken legs should be golden brown and crispy. Serve right away.
Leave a Reply