One quick and easy recipe I rely on is my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs. They are delicious and they go well with so many side dishes. Using my air fryer to make crispy chicken legs makes cooking easy in so many ways. There is no oil which makes for healthier chicken and very little clean up. It is made with only a few ingredients that are pantry friendly. In today’s blog I will share my recipe for crispy air fryer chicken legs.
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Watch Video Tutorial for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- Here are reasons to use each ingredient for air fryer chicken legs:
- Chicken Legs: The star of the dish, chicken legs are juicy and flavorful, with a good ratio of meat to bone, making them perfect for air frying. The dark meat remains tender while the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes even browning, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior. It also adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder raises the pH of the chicken’s surface and dries it out slightly, which enhances the crispiness when air fried, giving you that satisfying crunch.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky flavor and vibrant red color, giving the chicken legs a barbecue-style 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.
- Thyme: Thyme brings an herby, slightly floral note that complements the robust flavors of the chicken and seasonings, adding complexity to the dish.
- Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing all the other flavors, ensuring that every bite of chicken is well-seasoned and flavorful.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of heat and earthiness, balancing the other seasonings and providing a mild spicy kick to the chicken.
- These ingredients work together to create a perfectly seasoned, crispy, and juicy air fryer chicken leg!
What You Will Need
Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Step 1: 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.
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.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Legs
Next sprinkle the seasoning mixture on the chicken and mix assuring each piece is well coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken legs in the air fryer and assure they are evening spaced to allow the air to flow around the chicken pieces.
Heat the air fryer to 385 and allow the chicken to cook for 25 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, adding hearty, spiced flavors that elevate the meal. The bold seasonings in these rice dishes, including bell peppers, celery, and a touch of heat, mirror the savory notes of the chicken while providing a satisfying, filling component.
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. The greens bring a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that complements the smokiness of the chicken, while the fried cabbage, often sautéed with a bit of bacon or spices, adds a caramelized sweetness and hearty texture. Together, these sides create a diverse and well-rounded meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.
What to Do With Leftovers Air Fryer Chicken Legs
To store air fryer 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 3-4 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, and 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, but 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 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.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
4
servings8
minutes23
minutesIngredients
2 lbs Chicken Legs
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl combine the salt, black pepper and smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper and baking 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.
- Next sprinkle the seasoning mixture on the chicken and mix assuring each piece is well coated.
- Place the chicken legs in the air fryer and assure they are evening spaced to allow the air to flow around the chicken pieces.
- Heat the air fryer to 385 and allow the chicken to cook for 25 minutes or until it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Recipe Video
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