Air Fryer Chicken Legs are a quick and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week. These chicken legs are incredibly flavorful, thanks to a blend of spices that create a delightful crust. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. This recipe is not only easy to make but also guarantees a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need six chicken legs, three tablespoons of brown sugar, one and a half teaspoons of kosher salt, one teaspoon of ground black pepper, one teaspoon of ground mustard, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and one tablespoon of vegetable oil. If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, you can substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika or use different types of oil, such as olive or avocado oil. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, you can substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika or use different types of oil, such as olive or avocado oil. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing your chicken legs. It’s crucial to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a crispier finish.

In a large zip-top bag, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake the bag well to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly. This mixture will form the flavorful crust on the chicken.

Next, add the chicken legs to the bag and pour in the vegetable oil. Shake the bag again until each leg is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This method ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed and every bite of the chicken leg is packed with flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes. Preheating is essential as it helps in achieving a consistent cooking temperature. Once the air fryer is ready, arrange the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, allowing the hot air to circulate freely around each piece for even cooking.

Set the air fryer to the air fry setting at 380°F and cook the chicken for 18-22 minutes. Turn the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches between 165°F and 185°F, measured with an instant-read thermometer.

Recipe Tips

How to ensure the chicken legs are crispy: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Common mistakes to avoid: Overcrowding the air fryer, not preheating the air fryer, and not checking the internal temperature of the chicken.
Adjusting cooking times for different air fryer models: Check the chicken’s internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model’s performance.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Legs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh garden salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a more indulgent option, you can pair them with mac and cheese or coleslaw. Complementary sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard can elevate the flavors even further. As for beverages, a cold beer, a glass of chilled white wine, or even a refreshing iced tea would make excellent pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken legs? Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven? Absolutely. Bake the chicken legs at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Variations and Additions

For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. If you prefer herb-infused flavors, try incorporating dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the spice blend. Additionally, marinating the chicken legs in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking can add depth and tenderness to the meat.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs are a versatile and delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and juicy interior, they are sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and explore the many variations and serving suggestions to make it your own. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Ingredients

6 chicken legs
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

Begin by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
In a large zip-top bag, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake the bag well to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Add the chicken legs to the bag, pour in the vegetable oil, and shake until each leg is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, arrange the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to the air fry setting at 380°F and cook the chicken for 18-22 minutes, making sure to turn the legs halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when the internal temperature, measured with an instant-read thermometer, reaches between 165°F and 185°F.
Enjoy your perfectly seasoned, crispy, and juicy air fryer chicken legs!