Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Barbara
The air fryer has a way of working magic on chicken. Many people believe the only way to get that deep, smoky char is on a grill or through a long roast in the oven. My Barbecue Chicken Legs will challenge these beliefs. The secret is the constant swirl of hot air. It wraps around the chicken to cook it evenly, giving you that elusive combination of juicy, tender meat and a skin that is perfectly caramelized and crispy.
What I love most about this method is how quick and easy it is. You can have a flavorful, soulful dinner on the table faster than it takes the oven just to reach temperature. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want a home cooked meal. Let me show you how to get that classic barbecue flavor in a fraction of the time.
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Ingredients
- Chicken Legs: Juicy dark meat that’s tender and flavorful. (Legs cook perfectly in the air fryer)
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes even browning.
- Barbecue Sauce: Adds a rich smoky flavor and a savory balance to the honey.
- Honey: ads a sweet touch to the barbecue sauce giving it a richer flavor.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky flavor and vibrant red color, giving the chicken legs a traditional barbecue aroma and appearance.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky and earthy seasonings.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a sweet and slightly tangy depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish without overpowering it.
- Salt: Enhances the other flavors, ensuring that the chicken is well seasoned and flavorful.
- Black Pepper: Adds earthiness, balancing the other seasonings.
Watch Me Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Video Tutorial)
What You Will Need
Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Step 1: Preparing the Honey Barbecue Sauce
In a bowl combine the honey and barbecue sauce and mix until well combined.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken and Seasonings
In a small bowl combine the salt, black pepper and smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper and baking powder.
Step 3: Season the Chicken Legs
Make sure your chicken legs have been thoroughly washed and dried, then cover with the olive oil. Mix well to ensure each piece has been generously coated. Next sprinkle the seasoning mixture on the chicken and mix assuring each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken legs in the air fryer and assure they are evenly spaced to allow the air to flow around the individual pieces. Heat the air fryer to 385 degrees and allow the chicken to cook for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Coat with Honey Barbecue Sauce
After 25 minutes, coat each leg with the prepared honey barbecue sauce then cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
What to Eat With Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Air fryer chicken legs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement their crispy exterior and flavorful seasonings. Roasted potatoes are a classic choice, offering a balance of crispy edges and tender centers that harmonize with the chicken’s texture. For a taste of Southern comfort, Dirty rice or Cajun rice make excellent pairings. They add hearty flavors that elevate the meal.
If you’re craving something creamy and cool to contrast the warm and crispy chicken, potato salad is a perfect side. The creamy dressing and tender potatoes create a refreshing balance against the chicken’s bold flavors. For a Southern inspired spread, collard greens or fried cabbage are fantastic additions.
What to Do With Leftovers Air Fryer Chicken Legs
To store the chicken legs, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they can be kept for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them in a shallow container to promote even cooling and prevent excess moisture buildup which could make the skin soggy. If you need to store the chicken legs for a longer period, use the freezer. Wrap each chicken leg individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Properly stored, chicken legs can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
When reheating, it’s important to restore the crispiness of the chicken. For refrigerated chicken legs, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and reheat the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Frozen chicken legs should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. If reheating directly from frozen, increase the air fryer time to 12-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat chicken legs in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can result in rubbery texture and uneven heating.
Other Great Recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – crispy wings perfect for game day or any day of the week.
- Oven Baked Chicken Legs – these juicy chicken legs are great for a Sunday soul food dinner.
- The Secret to Perfect Fried Chicken – if you want to learn the secret to making perfect fried chicken then your in the right place.
SoulFoodCooking101.com — Classic Soul Food Recipes
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 Chicken Legs
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Barbecue Sauce
- 1/2 Cup Honey
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Black Pepper
Method
- In a bowl combine the barbecue sauce and honey and mix until well combined.
- In a small bowl mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder.
- Make sure your chicken legs have been thoroughly washed and dried, then cover with the olive oil. Mix well to ensure each piece has been generously coated.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on the chicken and evenly cover each piece.
- Heat the air fryer to 385 degrees, then place the chicken legs in the air fryer and and cook for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, generously coat your legs with the honey barbecue sauce then cook for an additional 5 minutes or until your chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
The chicken legs were delicious! I left off the skin and didn’t miss it at all. It was the first recipe I have tried from your website, but won’t be the last.