How Long to Air Fry Chicken Legs for Perfectly Cooked Meat

Air fryers have become an extremely popular kitchen appliance for making delicious fried foods without all the excess oil. One of the most common dishes people love to make is air fryer chicken legs. When cooked properly, chicken legs come out incredibly juicy tender and packed with flavor. However, nailing the right cooking time can be tricky. Undercook them and the meat is unsafe to eat. Cook them too long and they end up dried out and tough. So how long should you air fry chicken legs to achieve the ideal texture? Let’s find out.

Factors that Determine Cooking Time

There are a few key factors that impact the total cooking time

• Size of the chicken legs – Thicker meatier drums and thighs take longer than smaller thinner pieces.

• Amount being cooked – The more chicken you add, the longer the overall cooking time since it’s harder for the hot air to circulate evenly.

• Preparation method – Chicken legs with breading or sauce coatings require a few extra minutes. Plain chicken cooks fastest.

• Doneness preference – Dark meat can be safely eaten at 165°F. If you prefer 170-175°F for more tender and fall-off-the-bone meat, extend cook time.

• Air fryer wattage – Lower-wattage models may need a couple extra minutes compared to more powerful air fryers.

Recommended Air Fryer Chicken Leg Cooking Times

Taking these factors into account, here are the approximate air fryer cooking times for chicken legs:

• 4-6 small drumsticks (1-1.5 lbs): 18-22 minutes at 380°F
• 4-6 medium drumsticks (1.5-2 lbs): 20-25 minutes at 380°F
• 4-6 large drumsticks (2-2.5 lbs): 22-28 minutes at 380°F
• 4-6 small thighs (1-1.5 lbs): 15-18 minutes at 380°F
• 4-6 medium thighs (1.5-2 lbs): 17-20 minutes at 380°F
• 4-6 large thighs (2-2.5 lbs): 20-25 minutes at 380°F

For best results, shake the basket halfway through and always verify doneness by taking the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Chicken Legs

Follow this simple process for flawlessly cooked chicken legs every time:

1. Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with oil or cooking spray
2. Season as desired
3. Arrange chicken in a single layer in air fryer basket, avoiding overlap
4. Air fry at 380°F, shaking basket halfway through
5. Cook until crispy outside and internal temperature reaches 165°F
6. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving

Pro tip: For ideal texture, brine the chicken legs before air frying. The salt solution keeps the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.

Common Air Fryer Chicken Leg Mistakes to Avoid

While air frying chicken legs is super easy, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding – Too much chicken prevents even cooking. Go for a single layer.

• Insufficient oil – A light coat of oil helps prevent drying out. Don’t skip this step.

• Flipping too often – Only flip halfway to allow even browning. Excess handling leads to sogginess.

• Incorrect temperature – The ideal range is 380-400°F. Any lower won’t crisp the skin sufficiently.

• Not preheating – Give the air fryer 3-5 minutes to fully preheat before adding food.

• Skipping rest time – Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy.

Cooking Chicken Legs to Perfection Has Never Been Easier

By following these air fryer chicken leg cooking times and helpful tips, you’ll be able to achieve the ultimate texture – crispy exterior, juicy interior. Adjust cook times based on the size of your chicken and your preferred level of doneness. With minimal prep, these oven-fried chicken legs are ready in under 30 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will devour. Ditch the deep fryer and make healthier, delicious air fried chicken legs in your kitchen tonight!