Air Fryer Chicken Legs: The Recipe for a Delicious and Quick Main Dish!

Air fryer chicken legs are a quick and delicious main dish, to be made instead of the classic chicken legs in a pan or in the oven: they will be crispy on the outside and juicy and soft on the inside. In our recipe we dipped the chicken legs in water and lemon, before seasoning them in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and onion powder, rosemary, chili pepper, paprika and chicken seasoning. The legs will then be cooked in the air fryer for about half an hour, ready to be served with a side dish of your choice: mixed salad, grilled vegetables or with potatoes.

What is The Best Temperature to Cook Chicken Legs in An Air Fryer?

Cooking chicken legs in an air fryer perfectly marries convenience with delicious results, achieving crispy skin and juicy meat. The optimal temperature for cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is 180°C (356°F). This temperature allows the chicken to cook through thoroughly without drying out, ensuring the exterior develops a beautifully crisp texture while the inside remains succulently moist. It's crucial to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken to ensure even cooking. Depending on their size, chicken legs typically require about 20-25 minutes in the air fryer, but it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe minimum of 74°C (165°F).

Tips and Variations

– Always preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures the skin starts crisping up right away.

– To cook the chicken legs evenly, avoid overcrowding them in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate freely around each leg for optimal cooking and crisping.

– Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature, ensuring it reaches at least 74°C (165°F). The cooking time might vary slightly based on the size of the chicken legs and your air fryer model.

– Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy and flavorful.

– Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect blend. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or cumin for a warm, earthy note.

– For even more flavor, marinate the chicken legs in the spice mix and olive oil for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. The lemon juice in the marinade will also help tenderize the meat.

– For a sweet and sticky variation, brush the chicken legs with a mix of honey, soy sauce, and a little garlic powder during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This creates a beautifully caramelized finish.

– For a spicy kick, toss the cooked chicken legs in buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic touch.

– For a lighter flavor, reduce the chili powder and add freshly grated lemon zest, chopped parsley, and thyme to the spice mix. This variation is wonderfully aromatic and fresh.

– After the initial 25 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken legs with your favorite BBQ sauce and return them to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to get a sticky, caramelized exterior.

How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Legs

You can store air fryer chicken legs in the fridge for 2 days, in an airtight container.

Here's how to make them, step-by-step and with advice.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs in a bowl with water and lemon juice, and let them soak. Then, rinse well.

Take the chicken legs out of the water and pat them dry.

Transfer to a wooden cutting board and, with a sharp knife, make a couple of incision on the top part of the leg.

Transfer to another glass bowl and season with the olive oil, the garlic and onion powder, the chicken seasoning, the chili powder, the rosemary and the salt and pepper. Mix with your hands to help the seasoning distribute evenly on all chicken legs.

Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.

Once the 25 minutes are up, open the air fryer, flip the chicken legs and keep cooking for 10 minutes at 380°F (190°C).

Take them out of the air fryer and let rest for at least 10 minutes. Then, bring to the table, serve and enjoy!