Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy and juicy chicken legs made in the air fryer with a simple blend of spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 chicken legs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pat each chicken leg dry with paper towels and let air-dry for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss the chicken legs in this mixture to coat evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the chicken legs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the legs halfway through at 10 minutes.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use a meat thermometer to check for safe internal temperature. For extra crispiness, spray a light mist of cooking oil before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg (about
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 17
- Protein: 15
Keywords: air fryer chicken legs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy fried chicken, gluten-free chicken