Cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get crispy skin and juicy meat without deep frying or dealing with multiple pans. The hot air circulation cooks the drumsticks evenly, while the skin turns golden and crisp with just a small amount of oil.
Jump to RecipeThis recipe is designed for busy days when you want something reliable, flavorful, and easy to clean up afterward, a simple approach that fits naturally into low-effort cooking routines without sacrificing results.
Why Cooking Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer Works So Well
Air fryers excel at cooking chicken legs because they circulate heat evenly around the meat. Unlike ovens that take longer to heat or stovetops that require constant attention, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal effort.
Chicken drumsticks are naturally forgiving cuts, which means they stay juicy even at higher temperatures. When cooked properly, the skin crisps beautifully while the inside reaches a safe internal temperature without drying out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken legs (drumsticks)
- Olive oil or another neutral oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
These simple seasonings enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and work well whether you’re serving the drumsticks on their own or pairing them with sides.
How to Cook Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Preparing the Chicken for Best Results
Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is key to achieving crispy skin. Lightly coat the drumsticks with oil, then season evenly on all sides.
Seasoning Without Overcomplicating
A simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder is enough to create flavorful air fryer chicken legs. This seasoning base keeps the recipe flexible and prevents overpowering the natural taste of the chicken.
Air Fryer Temperature and Cooking Time
Preheat the air fryer if your model requires it. Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 20–25 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks.
Do You Need to Flip Chicken Legs?
Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning. While some air fryers cook evenly without flipping, turning them once improves overall texture and color.
How to Know When Chicken Legs Are Fully Cooked
The safest way to check doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken legs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Visually, the skin should be golden brown, and the juices should run clear when pierced.
How to Get Crispy Skin Without Drying the Meat
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Use just enough oil to lightly coat the skin
- Make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning
- Allow proper air circulation around each piece
These small steps make a noticeable difference in texture.
Easy Serving Ideas That Pair Well
Air fryer chicken legs pair well with:
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- A simple green salad
- Rice, potatoes, or light grain sides
These combinations keep the meal balanced without adding extra complexity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the drying step before seasoning
- Overcrowding the basket
- Using too much oil
- Guessing doneness instead of checking the internal temperature
Avoiding these mistakes ensures consistently juicy and crispy results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen chicken legs in an air fryer?
Yes, but they will need extra cooking time and may not crisp as well as thawed drumsticks.
Can you stack chicken legs in the air fryer?
Stacking is not recommended. A single layer allows better airflow and even cooking.
Why aren’t my air fryer chicken legs crispy?
Excess moisture, overcrowding, or insufficient heat are the most common causes.
Final Notes
This air fryer chicken legs recipe delivers reliable results with minimal effort. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners, flexible with seasoning, and practical for anyone looking to simplify cooking without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the chickenPat the chicken legs completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp during cooking.
- SeasonPlace the chicken legs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken and mix well.
- Preheat the air fryerPreheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if your model requires it.
- Arrange in the basketPlace the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- CookAir fry for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken legs halfway through cooking.
- Check donenessUse a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest and serveLet the chicken rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to keep the meat juicy.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken legs and air fryer model.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket for best results.
- Minimal oil is enough, too much can prevent crisping.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 6 minutes until warmed through and crispy.