Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these air fryer chicken legs are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces chicken legs (drumsticks) Provides rich, flavorful meat that cooks beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil Helps the skin crisp up and adds flavor; avocado oil can be a good substitute.

Spices

1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a fragrant depth; feel free to use fresh minced garlic for an extra punch.
1 teaspoon onion powder Complements the garlic for a well-rounded taste; onion salt can work too.
1 teaspoon paprika Adds color and a subtle smokiness; smoked paprika provides an extra depth of flavor.
to taste salt and pepper Essential for enhancing all the spices.
optional your choice of herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary) Fresh or dried, these can elevate your chicken's flavor profile.

Method

Preparation

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken legs with the spice mixture evenly.
Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer for optimal cooking.

Cooking

Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is perfectly crispy.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this can prevent the chicken from crisping nicely. For added flavor, marinate the chicken legs in the olive oil and spices for a few hours before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and they can be frozen for up to three months.