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The new devotion around our house is to Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Staggeringly crispy outside and succulent within, they’ll make a bone-in, skin-on chicken believer out of even the biggest holdouts.

Flavorful air fryer chicken legs on a plate

Ever since cooking these bone-in, skin-on Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, I have been converted to the dark side.

As in, dark meat!

While white meat like Air Fryer Chicken Breast has my pick for salads and sandwiches, when it comes to enjoying meat for its pure juiciness, dark meat is hard to beat.

Plus, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs are affordable and nutrient dense.

Lean and higher in many vitamins and minerals than chicken breasts, chicken legs are healthy folks! Easily made gluten-free and low-carb!

Ben called air fryer chicken drumsticks and thighs “the best chicken I’ve ever had.”

The best air fryer chicken legs on a white plate

Why I Love Air Fryer Bone-In Skin On Chicken

The air fryer is miraculous for creating healthy versions of foods that are typically deep-fried, like Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast.

In the case of bone-in, skin-on air fryer chicken drumsticks, the way the fat renders, the skin crisps, and the meat becomes lush and juicy is enough of a reason to buy an air fryer (this is the model I have; it’s on sale!).

Air fryer chicken is also fast!

Drumsticks take 18 to 20 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. Turn once halfway through.

The chicken legs can be ready in the time it takes you to throw together a quick Arugula Salad or side of Sautéed Brussels Sprouts. Simple prep time and cooking time!

Dinner (or lunch), done.

Crispy air fryer chicken legs with seasonings

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

My inspiration for seasoning for these chicken legs is a barbecue potato chip (YUM).

It’s sweet and smoky (and yes, would be great served with chips or Sweet Potato Fries).

Follow this recipe for a stellar chicken flavor, or try swapping a different rub (that includes garlic powder and onion powder), marinade, or sauce (such as ranch, buffalo sauce or bbq sauce). See the “Ways to Season Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks” section below for suggestions.

Tip!

No need to make air fryer chicken legs with flour or cornstarch. While that trick works well for certain ingredients, like Air Fryer Tofu, the chicken gets very crispy on its own without the extra mess.


The Ingredients

  • Chicken Legs. Commonly overshadowed by chicken breasts and thighs, chicken legs need a moment in the spotlight. Not only are they incredibly succulent and flavorful, but they’re also packed with nutrition. Chicken legs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. An easy dinner recipe, total time is less than 30 minutes!!
  • Dark Brown Sugar. Dark brown sugar is richer in flavor than regular brown sugar and has more molasses. This makes the chicken caramelize more easily and gives it delightful flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika. The ideal combination of smoky and sweet.
  • Dry Mustard Powder. Adds a hint of tang to the chicken legs.
  • Salt + Pepper. The classic, must-have seasoning duo.
  • Cayenne. For the perfect amount of heat.

The Directions

  1. Dry the chicken legs and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle oil over the top.
Raw meat with spices in a bowl
  1. Stir the sugar and spice mixture together, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken.
Five chicken legs in an air fryer
  1. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket.
  2. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Flip them over, then cook for another 8 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then DIG IN!
Easy air fryer chicken legs on a white plate

Ways to Season Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

  • Easy Chicken Marinade. My light and bright Chicken Marinade would taste delicious on these drumsticks.
  • Sweet and Savory Marinade. My easy Chicken Thigh Marinade is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Try it on these chicken legs!
  • Orange Chicken Marinade. Lovers of Healthy Orange Chicken, this Orange Chicken Marinade is the one for you!
  • Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks. A crowd-pleaser! Use the honey garlic marinade from my Honey Garlic Chicken Wings recipe.
  • Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Sprinkle your favorite Cajun seasoning over the chicken legs, omitting the spices listed in this recipe (add salt and pepper to taste).
Meat on the bone being cooked at a high temperature

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. 
  • To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave. 
  • To Freeze. Freeze chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Meal Prep Tip

Up to 1 day in advance, stir the seasoning mixture together. Keep it in an airtight storage container at room temperature until you’re ready to finish the recipe.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Crispy chicken legs in the air fryer

Welcome to the dark side!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Wings instead of Legs?

You can certainly make crispy, delicious chicken wings in the air fryer! Simply follow my recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings or Korean Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

How Can I Use Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Legs?

There are so many ways to use leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks. Pull the meat off of the bone and add it to your favorite salad (like Spinach Strawberry Salad) or pasta dish (like Sun Dried Tomato Pasta). You could also play into the BBQ flavor of the rub and pair leftovers with Easy Baked Beans or an Air Fryer Baked Potato and Barbecue Sauce.

Are these Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs?

Since there is 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mixture, this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe will have a little kick to them. If you want them to be extra spicy, you can add a pinch more of the cayenne. If you need them to be less spicy, reduce the cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon or omit it completely.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

4.61 from 74 votes
Golden, crispy air fryer chicken legs with a delicious sweet and smoky seasoning. Ultra flavorful, super crispy skin, and juicy meat inside!

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes
Total: 28 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 to 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs/drumsticks (about 2 1/4 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley or serving

Instructions
 

  • With paper towels, pat the chicken legs dry, and place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the oil.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, mustard, and cayenne. Sprinkle over the chicken, then toss to evenly coat.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Arrange a single layer of the drumsticks in the basket.
  • Air fry chicken legs for 10 minutes, then slide out the basket and flip the legs. Return to the air fryer and cook for 8 additional minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F when a meat thermometer is inserted at the thickest part without touching the bone (I remove mine around 190 degrees F and it is still very juicy. The extra time ensures the skin is nice and crisp). Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped cilantro or parsley as desired.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. 
  • TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave. 
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 24gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 135mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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43 Comments

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  1. We thoroughly enjoyed these – juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The flavor was spot-on + it made for an easy weeknight dinner! Thank you!5 stars

      1. Have these “marinating” in the rub for dinner tonight- they look and smell amazing!! Will update later but I’m so excited to try them!

  2. Just made this. At first bite it seemed sweet to me (never used brown sugar on meat before) then you get the hint of cayenne. Overall I would reduce the sugar by half at least. Other than that the skin was not crunchy but crispy enough. Easy and quick. Thanks!4 stars

  3. I am almost 81 years old, September and have never liked drumsticks yet my family loves them meaning more breast meat for me.
    Having an Air Fryer I decided to make your recipe and the drums looked and smelled so good I had to try one, awesome, so had another and shared the rest with family and all agreed how tasty they were, for someone who does not even eat KFC drums this is magic5 stars

  4. I love drumsticks and usually freeze them 4 per package when I buy bulk since it’s just me. I have made this recipe many times over by cutting the spices in half. Works great every time. So so so good!5 stars

  5. We have five kids and they are eating more every day. I’ve never had an air fryer but I’m looking at an 8-qt Instant Pot Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer combo. Do you know if I’d be able to double this or in any way increase the recipe, or would I just have to batch cook?

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Rebekah! Pretty much with any model that doesn’t have trays, you’ll have to batch cook. Also you can easily double the recipe. Hope you enjoy it!

    1. Hi James! I’m so confused! The recipe is in the recipe card, right above the area where you commented. You can also click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the screen to get you there faster. Could you please check again!

  6. My 22 year old son said these are the best chicken legs he has ever had! So easy. Thank you for the recipe!5 stars

  7. Deliciously simple! We loved the crispy & juicy drumsticks. Will definitely make this again.5 stars

  8. So simple and so good. I’m still learning to cook meat in my air fryer and had recently had good luck with wings so decided to give drumsticks a whirl. So glad I stumbled across this recipe! I’ve always been more of a thighs gal myself but these were so flavorful and juicy. My son asked for more! Definitely a keeper. Thank you!5 stars

  9. I have made this recipe multiple times and it’s always delicious! Is it possible to use this spice/olive oil combo as a marinade?5 stars

    1. Hi Shanta! It’s might be possible, I just haven’t tried it myself. You would definitely need more liquid for a marinade. Enjoy!

  10. Great recipe, easy, and love that it has all ingredients that are staples in my house. Super simple quick last minute dinner recipe.5 stars

  11. I’m sorry but this did not work for me. I followed the recipe to the letter and the drumsticks were undercooked following the temp and time on the recipe. I had to double the time to get something that was safe to eat. I have a breville airfryier so I’m not sure if it’s specific to the unit used1 star

    1. Sorry to hear the timing didn’t work for you. There are a few variables as to why, it was likely due to the type of air fryer used but it could also be the size of your chicken legs as well, either way I hoped your overall dish was successful!

  12. Use a bag instead of a bowl and “shake & bake” those legs. Less clean up.

    Also, use a high quality hot paprika from Europe and you can combine three ingredients (paprika, mustard, and cayenne) into one. Chiquilin is a great brand, not too expensive, and available.5 stars