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Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

Enjoy crispy, juicy chicken legs made effortlessly in the air fryer! This health-conscious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering bold flavor with minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels for crispy skin.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add herbs if using.
  3. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken legs.
  4. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes to absorb flavor.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Arrange chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove and rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, pat chicken completely dry and lightly spray with olive oil. Marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and always flip halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken legs, healthy chicken, crispy drumsticks, easy dinner