Crispy and Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fryer chicken legs are flavorful drumsticks air fried to crispy, golden brown perfection. With 5 minutes of simple prep and just 20 minutes of cooking time, air fried chicken drumsticks are an easy dinner entree option any night of the week!

Want more air fryer chicken recipes? Then check out my Honey Chipotle Air Fried Chicken Tenders and Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.

Air fryer chicken legs have a seasoned, crispy skin and juicy meat just beneath the surface. Drumsticks are coated in oil and generously seasoned with a mix of spices. Add them to the air fryer and in just 20 minutes, you have a delicious main course!

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe:

Family Friendly! Both kids and adults love crispy air fryer chicken legs and they go with everything. This is also ideal for those nights when you want a full meal ready within 30 minutes.

Healthier Option! If you love the satisfying crunch of fried chicken but want to save some calories, this recipe is the best alternative. Plus, there is no mess from grease splatter, flour, or cornstarch because the chicken gets crispy without it!

Quick & Easy! There is no oven to preheat. Cook chicken in a fraction of the time when you use an air fryer.

Ingredients you need:

• Chicken legs: Dark meat makes these air fryer chicken drumsticks succulent. Keep the skin on for crispy skin.
• Avocado oil: You can substitute with olive oil if necessary.
• Cajun: This adds a bold, spicy taste.
• Lemon Pepper: The bright citrus flavor is balanced with the pungent taste of pepper.
• 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 Air Fry Chicken Legs:

Season Chicken

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.

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. 

Place Drumsticks in Air Fryer

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.

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.
• Oven Baked: No air fryer? Check out my Baked Chicken Legs recipe.

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.

Pro-Tips:

• Do not skip preheating the air fryer. The chicken gets crispy faster when added to a hot air fryer.
• Premix your seasonings in a small bowl so they are evenly distributed.
• After cleaning the chicken, pat each drumstick dry with a paper towel to ensure they are totally dry. Removing excess moisture results in crispier skin.
• Do not use too much oil. Measure it carefully because too much will make your air fryer chicken legs soggy.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or try. If there are too many drumsticks in the air fryer at one time, they will not get crispy. They may also cook unevenly.

Storing and Reheating:

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 until warmed through.

FAQ:

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon - In the Air Fryer
• Sweet and Spicy Beef Jerky - Air Fryer Recipe
• Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Continue to Content

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6 drumsticks

Crispy and Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Air fryer chicken legs are flavorful drumsticks air fried to crispy, golden brown perfection. With 5 minutes of simple prep and just 20 minutes of cooking time, air fried chicken drumsticks are an easy dinner entree option any night of the week!

Print

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

1. Preheat your air fryer on the “air fry” mode at 375°F.
2. Add your cleaned chicken legs into a large bowl. Drizzle the avocado oil all over the chicken. Use tongs or gloved hands to rub the oil into each drumstick.
3. 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. 
4. Mix the seasonings in with the chicken so that each piece is fully covered. 
5. 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. 
6. The chicken legs should be golden brown and crispy. Serve right away.

Notes

Read the post above for more information and variations for cooking.

Seasoned salt is optional depending on your taste buds. It may be a bit too salty for you if you add both the Cajun seasoning and seasoned salt. Adjust accordingly!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  StarPack Basics Silicone Kitchen Tongs (9-Inch & 12-Inch) - Stainless Steel with Non-Stick Silicone Tips, High Heat Resistant to 480°F, For Cooking, Serving, Grill, BBQ & Salad (Teal Blue)
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  Ninja Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps and Dehydrates, with 4 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 378Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 164g

This website provides approximate nutrition information as a courtesy and for convenience only.

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