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Perfectly crispy skin every time!|Juiciest chicken legs ever made!|Kids absolutely loved these drumsticks!|So much easier than oven!|Crispy outside, tender inside perfection!|Never going back to roasting!|Ready in twenty minutes flat!|Seasoning blend is absolutely divine!
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Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer chicken legs with this quick and easy recipe. Discover how to cook juicy, golden chicken drumsticks in your air fryer for a delicious family meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
22 mins
Serve
4
Kcal
285
Carbs: 2g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 18g
285
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large chicken legs (drumsticks), about 600g total</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon sweet paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove chicken legs from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat each drumstick completely dry with kitchen paper, paying special attention to any crevices where moisture might hide - this is crucial for achieving that crispy skin we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, rosemary, and cayenne if using. Mix thoroughly until you have an even, aromatic spice blend - give it a little taste to check the balance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Place the dried chicken legs in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Using your hands, massage the oil into every surface of the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is completely coated - this helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled chicken legs, then use your hands to rub the seasonings into the skin, working it into all the nooks and crannies. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic blend.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This initial heat blast will help create that immediate sear we want for crispy skin.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not touching each other - you want hot air to circulate freely around each piece. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches rather than overcrowding.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook at 200°C for 12 minutes, then carefully flip each drumstick using tongs. You'll notice the skin starting to turn golden and crispy - that's exactly what we want to see.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Continue cooking for another 10 minutes at 200°C. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer - it should read 75°C when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>If the chicken hasn't reached 75°C, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals, checking the temperature each time. The skin should be deeply golden and crispy when done.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest on a clean plate for 3-4 minutes before serving - this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
How long do you cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
Cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer at 200°C for 22 minutes total - 12 minutes on one side, flip, then 10 more minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 75°C before serving.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for chicken legs?
Yes, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes before cooking. This creates an immediate sear for crispy skin and ensures even cooking throughout the chicken legs.
What temperature should chicken legs be when cooked in an air fryer?
Chicken legs should reach an internal temperature of 75°C when measured at the thickest part of the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check, avoiding the bone for accurate reading.
Can you put frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
It's best to thaw chicken drumsticks first for even cooking and proper seasoning adherence. If using frozen, add 5-8 extra minutes to cooking time and check temperature carefully.
Why is my air fryer chicken skin not crispy?
Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning, don't overcrowd the basket, and preheat properly. Pat dry with kitchen paper and avoid overlapping pieces for maximum crispiness.
The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.