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.
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The air fryer is my very favorite way to cook chicken legs.
Ever since cooking these bone-in, skin-on Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, I have been converted to the dark side.
As in, dark meat! And now I’m all about air fryer chicken legs too.
- 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.
My inspiration for seasoning for these air fryer chicken legs is a barbecue potato chip (YUM). They’re sweet and smoky (and yes, would be great served with chips or Sweet Potato Fries).
Ben called these drumsticks “the best chicken I’ve ever had.”
5 Star Review
“First time making drumsticks in the air fryer and I don’t think we will make them any other way ever again! This is so easy and delicious.”
— Holly —
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Season (photo 1). Stir the sugar and spice mixture together, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken.
Arrange. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
Cook (photo 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 ENJOY!
Seasoning Ideas
Follow this recipe for a stellar chicken flavor, or try swapping a different rub (that includes garlic powder and onion powder), marinade, or sauce.
- Easy Marinade. My light and bright Chicken Marinade would taste delicious on these drumsticks.
- Sweet and Savory. My easy Chicken Thigh Marinade is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Try it on these chicken legs!
- Orange Chicken. Lovers of Healthy Orange Chicken, this Orange Chicken Marinade is the one for you!
- Honey Garlic. A crowd-pleaser! Use the honey garlic marinade from my Honey Garlic Chicken Wings recipe.
- Cajun. Sprinkle your favorite Cajun seasoning over the chicken legs, omitting the spices listed in this recipe (add salt and pepper to taste).
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Coleslaw. Try Healthy Coleslaw for something classic or Asian Slaw for something different.
- Potato Salad. Try this Sweet Potato Salad or Healthy Potato Salad.
- Roasted Veggies. Roasted Broccoli and Roasted Potatoes can all cook away in your free oven, since the chicken legs will be in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Video
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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
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ 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.
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.
Hi Tracie, the sugar helps give it that golden finish but you could probably eliminate. Let me know how it goes!