How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in a Ninja Foodi Grill – Ultimate Guide for Juicy Results

Hey there fellow food enthusiasts! Today I’m gonna share with you my experience and knowledge about cooking chicken legs in the amazing Ninja Foodi Grill. If you’ve recently purchased this kitchen marvel or have been using it for a while but aren’t sure about the perfect timing for chicken legs you’re in the right place! I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with my Foodi Grill, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.

Why Chicken Legs Are Perfect for the Ninja Foodi Grill

Before we dive into cooking times, let’s talk about why chicken legs are awesome for this particular appliance Chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs) have more fat content than chicken breasts, which means they stay juicy and tender when cooked in the Ninja Foodi Grill Plus, the skin gets that wonderful crispy texture that we all crave!

The Basic Cooking Time for Chicken Legs

So, how long to cook chicken legs in a Ninja Foodi Grill? The short answer is:

• Chicken drumsticks: 20-25 minutes
• Chicken thighs: 18-23 minutes
• Whole leg quarters: 25-30 minutes

But wait! There’s so much more to consider for perfect results every time

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

The times I mentioned above are just starting points. Several factors can affect how long your chicken legs need to cook:

1. Size of the chicken legs – Larger pieces need more time
2. Starting temperature – Room temp vs. straight from the fridge
3. Bone-in vs. boneless – Bone-in takes longer
4. Skin-on vs. skinless – Skin-on usually needs more time to crisp up
5. Your Ninja Foodi Grill model – Different models might have slight variations

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chicken Legs

Let me walk you through my foolproof method for cooking chicken legs in the Ninja Foodi Grill:

Preparation Stage

1. Bring chicken to room temperature – Take your chicken legs out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.

2. Pat dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is SUPER important for crispy skin!

3. Season generously – I like to use:

   • Salt and pepper
   • Garlic powder
   • Paprika
   • Italian herbs
   • A drizzle of olive oil

Preheating the Ninja Foodi Grill

Always preheat your Ninja Foodi Grill! I cannot stress this enough. Set it to HIGH and let it preheat for about 5-8 minutes. A properly preheated grill gives you those beautiful grill marks and helps seal in the juices.

Cooking Process

1. Place chicken legs on the grill grates – Don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave some space between pieces for even cooking.

2. Close the lid and set the time – Start with 20 minutes for average-sized drumsticks.

3. Flip halfway through – Open the lid around the 10-minute mark and flip the chicken legs for even cooking.

4. Check internal temperature – This is the most reliable way to know if your chicken is done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Temperature and Time Chart for Different Chicken Leg Cuts

Here’s a handy chart I’ve put together based on my experience:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In my journey with the Ninja Foodi Grill, I’ve made some mistakes that I don’t want you to repeat:

• Not preheating properly – This leads to longer cooking times and less crispy skin.
• Overcrowding the grill – Give those legs some space to breathe!
• Opening the lid too often – Every time you open it, you lose heat.
• Relying solely on cooking time – Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
• Skipping the rest period – Let those legs rest for 5 minutes after cooking for the juices to redistribute.

My Favorite Marinades for Chicken Legs

Want to take your chicken legs to the next level? Try these marinades (marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight):

BBQ Honey Marinade

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Lemon Herb Marinade

• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Spicy Asian Marinade

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 inch ginger, grated

Tips for Juicier Chicken Legs

We all want those juicy, tender chicken legs, right? Here are my personal tips:

1. Brine before cooking – Soak chicken legs in a solution of 1/4 cup salt and 4 cups water for 2 hours before cooking.

2. Don’t overcook – This is where that meat thermometer comes in handy!

3. Let them rest – After cooking, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

4. Brush with butter – For extra juiciness and flavor, brush with melted butter during the last few minutes of cooking.

Using Different Functions of the Ninja Foodi Grill

One of the things I love about the Ninja Foodi Grill is its versatility. You can cook chicken legs using different functions:

Air Crisp Function

Great for a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Set to 390°F and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Roast Function

Perfect for a more even cooking. Set to 375°F and cook for 25-30 minutes.

Grill Function

The classic choice for those beautiful grill marks. Set to HIGH and follow the times in our chart above.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Legs

Now that you’ve mastered cooking chicken legs in your Ninja Foodi Grill, what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas:

• Veggie skewers – Cook them right alongside your chicken
• Corn on the cob – Another Ninja Foodi Grill favorite
• Fresh salad – For a lighter option
• Mac and cheese – For a comfort food combo
• Grilled potatoes – Seasoned with the same spices as your chicken

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Chicken is still pink inside

Solution: Cook for another 3-5 minutes and check temperature again. Remember, slight pinkness near the bone is sometimes normal, but temperature should be 165°F.

Problem: Skin isn’t crispy

Solution: Make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before cooking and consider brushing with a little oil. You can also use the Air Crisp function for the last 2-3 minutes.

Problem: Chicken is dry

Solution: You probably overcooked it. Next time, check the temperature earlier and remove when it reaches 165°F.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Made too many chicken legs? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating in the Ninja Foodi Grill:

1. Preheat to 350°F using the Air Crisp function
2. Place leftover chicken legs in the basket
3. Reheat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken legs in the Ninja Foodi Grill is honestly one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to prepare this popular cut. With the right timing and temperature, you’ll get juicy, flavorful results every time.

Do you have any special seasonings or techniques you use for your chicken legs? I’d love to hear about them! Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.

Happy grilling, and enjoy those delicious chicken legs!

P.S. Don’t forget the most important rule: always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. A good meat thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen!

Baking chicken legs at 400°F (204°C) is generally preferred over 350°F (177°C) for achieving crispier skin and a quicker cook time, while still maintaining juicy meat.