Air frying chicken legs is a quick and easy way to make a tasty and healthy meal With an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken legs with crispy skin and juicy meat in under 30 minutes. But how long exactly should you air fry chicken legs for best results? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking times, temperatures, preparation, and more to help you master air fried chicken legs.
Understanding Air Fryers
Before jumping into the cooking process, let’s briefly go over what an air fryer is and why it’s great for chicken legs Air fryers are small countertop convection ovens that use super hot air and minimal oil to fry foods The rapid air circulation cooks food fast while creating a crispy exterior. Air frying chicken legs gives you all the flavor and crunch of deep fried chicken but is much healthier.
Factors That Affect Cook Times
When air frying chicken legs, the cook time can vary based on:
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Size of legs – Smaller legs may take less time than larger, meatier ones.
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Amount of legs – Cooking a lot of legs at once will increase cook time.
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Model of air fryer – Different air fryers have different power and capacity.
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Bone-in or bonelees – Boneless legs cook faster than bone-in.
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Frozen or thawed – Frozen legs take longer.
Taking these factors into account will allow you to adjust cook times and get perfect results.
Recommended Cook Times
A general guideline for air frying bone-in, skin-on chicken legs is:
- Small legs (4-5 oz): 17-20 mins
- Medium legs (5-6 oz): 20-23 mins
- Large legs (6-8 oz): 23-25 mins
For boneless chicken thighs, reduce cook time by 5 minutes. If cooking frozen legs, add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they are not done, cook for a few more minutes until up to temp.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fried chicken legs:
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Pat the legs dry – Remove excess moisture with paper towels for crispy skin.
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Season the legs – Coat with oil and spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
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Preheat air fryer – Heat to 380°F which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
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Cook legs skin side down first – This renders the fat and browns the skin. Cook about 2/3 of total time.
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Flip and cook remaining time – Gets both sides evenly golden brown and cooked through.
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Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute for juicy meat.
Follow these tips and your air fried chicken legs will turn out crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor every time.
Preparation Tips
Properly preparing the chicken legs before air frying is key for the best texture and taste. Here are some top tips:
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Marinate overnight – For added flavor, marinate legs 12-24 hrs. Use buttermilk, yogurt, spices, citrus, etc.
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Pat very dry – Excess moisture prevents crisping. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Use a light coating – Brush with a little oil or spray with cooking spray so the skin gets super crispy.
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Season generously – Chicken legs can handle lots of seasoning. Use salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, chili powder, etc.
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Coat with crumbs – For ultra crispy chicken, coat legs in flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs or panko.
Proper prep sets you up for finger-licking crispy, juicy air fried chicken legs.
Cook Time Adjustments
If your chicken legs turn out over or undercooked, make these adjustments next time:
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Undercooked – Increase cook time by 2-5 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
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Overcooked or dry – Reduce cook time by 2-5 mins and monitor closely with thermometer.
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Not crispy enough – Increase air fryer temp 25°F. Pat legs drier before cooking.
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Uneven cooking – Flip/rotate legs midway through cook time. Don’t overcrowd.
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Too crispy – Brush legs with oil or cooking spray next time instead of coating.
With a few tweaks to time and temperature, you’ll be able to perfection your air fried chicken legs.
Handy Tips
Here are some additional handy tips for air frying chicken legs like a pro:
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Allow air fryer to preheat fully – this gives you the best results.
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Don’t overcrowd legs – leave space for air circulation.
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Spray basket with oil to prevent sticking.
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Flip legs midway for even cooking.
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Use tongs to flip legs – piercing with fork releases juices.
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Chicken legs can overcook unlike breasts – aim for 180°F.
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Let rest before cutting for juicier meat.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze for longer.
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Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 mins.
Master these tips and tricks for making the juiciest, crispiest air fried chicken legs ever.
Flavor Ideas
One of the best parts about cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is how versatile they are. You can easily add different flavors with just a few simple ingredients. Consider rubbing or marinating the legs in:
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Lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil
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Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger
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Jamaican jerk seasoning
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BBQ sauce
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Cajun seasoning
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Ranch dressing mix
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Honey mustard
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Chili lime seasoning
Let your tastebuds guide you and get creative with the flavors! A short marinade time of 30 mins-1 hour is all you need to infuse the chicken legs with lots of extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy, juicy air fried chicken legs taste delicious on their own, but pair even better with these tasty sides:
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Mac and cheese
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Coleslaw, potato salad
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Corn on the cob
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Mashed potatoes
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Biscuits
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Rice and beans
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Roasted vegetables
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French fries
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Garden salad
For a complete and satisfying meal, serve your air fried chicken legs with 1-2 of these classic sides. Some tangy BBQ sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping complete the meal.
Perfectly cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is easy when you follow this guide. For crispy skin and tender meat, fry bone-in, skin-on chicken legs at 380°F for 17-25 minutes based on size, checking internal temperature. Allow to rest before serving for juicy results. With the right prep, cook time, and flavor combinations, you’ll have everyone devouring your homemade air fried chicken legs.
Main Menu (6/3 LAUNCH)
Course: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 15-30 min
Cooking Technique: Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
Cuisine: American
Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Keto, Low Carb, Paleo
Yield: 4-6 servings
- 2-2.5 lbs. chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper, ground
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cumin, ground
- In a large bowl, drizzle drumsticks with olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients, then sprinkle over drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.
- Divide the coated chicken onto the cooking trays.
- Place the drip pan in the bottom of the cooking chamber. Using the display panel, select Air Fry, then adjust the temperature to 400°F / 204°C and the time to 25 minutes, then touch Start.
- When the display indicates “Add Food” insert one cooking tray in the top-most position and one tray in the bottom-most position.
- When the display indicates “Turn Food” turn the food over AND switch the cooking trays so that the one that was in the top-most position is now in the bottom-most position, and vice-versa.
- When the Air Fry program is complete, check to make sure the thickest portion of the meat reads at least 165°F / 74°C. Remove and serve hot.
Chop Secrets is a culinary platform that focuses on recipe development, offering a wide variety of accessible and time-saving meal ideas. The site is a go-to destination for home cooks looking for delicious recipes that are simple to follow. Known for its collaborations with Instant Pot, Chop Secrets has produced over 250 recipe videos, providing users with step-by-step guides to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. With a range of recipes spanning from appetizers to desserts, Chop Secrets helps both beginners and seasoned cooks explore the versatility of their kitchen tools. The platform also offers a popular Instant Pot Master Class, which teaches essential techniques for mastering this appliance through cook-along lessons and printable resources, helping people create flavorful meals with minimal effort.
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How I Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (what I did)
FAQ
How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?
When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 180C. Lay the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 10–12 minutes until they are crispy and charred. Serve with a potato salad and green crunchy leaves.
How long to do legs in an air fryer?
- Prep: 5 mins.
- Cook: 18 mins.
- Total: 28 mins.
How long do you cook chicken legs in an air fryer?
However, a general guideline can help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time. On average, you should cook chicken legs in an air fryer at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: To ensure your chicken legs turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, consider the following tips: 1.
Can you cook frozen chicken legs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken legs in the air fryer, but it’s important to note that the process will take longer than cooking fresh or thawed legs. Add about 10 to 15 minutes to the usual cooking time, and remember to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach the safe minimum of 165°F (74°C).
Can you open an air fryer to check chicken legs?
Yes, you can open the air fryer to check on the chicken legs. However, be cautious as opening the air fryer can cause a decrease in temperature and increase cooking time. 12. How do I clean the air fryer after cooking chicken legs?
Can you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. However, cooking times will vary. Wings cook faster while thighs will take slightly longer. Air fryer chicken legs are as simple as seasoning the chicken and pushing a couple of buttons! You get that irresistible crispy skin without deep frying. They’re delicious, fast, and mostly guilt-free.
How long do chicken legs last in air fryer?
If you have any leftover chicken legs, proper storage and reheating are essential to maintain their quality. Place any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, where they can last up to 3 months. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. 2.
Can You reheat chicken legs in an air fryer?
Refrigerate: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat: To re-crisp the skin, reheat leftovers in the air fryer. Check out this post on How to Reheat Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer for step-by-step instructions. BBQ Style: Brush your chicken legs with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.