Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned with paprika, garlic, onion powder, and optional herbs, these chicken legs are a healthy and delicious main course ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 6 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve a crispy exterior. This step is important to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Drumsticks: In a large bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning if using, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between each piece to promote even air circulation and cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken legs for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley or serve with lemon wedges if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken legs very dry before seasoning.
- Marinate the drumsticks for a few hours in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense flavor.
- Serve alongside a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy air fryer fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 drumsticks
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
