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Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

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4.4 from 9 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare crispy, juicy drumsticks with a perfectly spiced crust. Utilizing the air fryer, it delivers a healthier alternative to traditional frying by using minimal oil while locking in moisture.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 to 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 – 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

Spice Mix

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl, add the canola oil, and toss well to coat each drumstick evenly with oil.
  3. Mix and Apply Spices: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, kosher salt, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and dry mustard. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the oiled chicken drumsticks and gently toss until they are thoroughly and evenly coated with the seasoning.
  4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket skin side down, ensuring they are spaced apart for even air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken legs for 10 minutes at 400°F. Then, flip them over to the other side and continue cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer, indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken skin is as dry as possible before oiling and seasoning.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the drumsticks and your specific air fryer model.
  • If cooking in batches, keep cooked drumsticks warm in a low oven until all are ready to serve.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked through for safety and juiciness.
  • Feel free to adjust the spice level by modifying the chili powder quantity.