Air fryer chicken legs are a fantastic dish to make for several reasons. First, they are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. You can have delicious chicken on the table in less than an hour! Second, the air fryer cooks the chicken legs to golden perfection with a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Unlike traditional frying, this method uses less oil, making it a healthier option.
Moreover, this recipe is simple and requires very few ingredients, so you can easily whip it up at home. Plus, the spices can be adjusted according to your taste, allowing for personalization. Whether you are cooking for family or entertaining friends, air fryer chicken legs will impress everyone with their flavor and texture.
HOW TO MAKE Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
- Begin by deciding if you want to remove the chicken skin. You can either leave the skin on for extra flavor or take it off for a lighter dish. Once you’re ready, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel to help the spices stick better.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and onion powder. This blend of spices will give the chicken its flavorful coating.
- Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with the olive oil. This oil helps the flour mixture adhere to the drumsticks and contributes to a crispy texture during cooking. After the oil is added, take the flour mixture and sprinkle it over the drumsticks. Use your hands to thoroughly coat the chicken with the spice blend.
- Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap to ensure even cooking. For easier cleanup, you can line the basket with parchment paper or foil.
- Set your air fryer to 360 degrees F and cook the chicken legs for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip each drumstick and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. The chicken is done when it is lightly browned, charred, and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a kitchen thermometer.
HOW TO SERVE Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Serving air fryer chicken legs is very straightforward. You can place them on a large platter or individual plates. Consider pairing them with simple sides like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. You can also offer dipping sauces, like barbecue sauce or ranch dressing, on the side for added flavor. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a nice touch.
This chicken dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or more formal gatherings. It’s great for picnics if you’re serving it cold, or you can enjoy it fresh out of the air fryer.
HOW TO STORE Air Fryer Chicken Legs
If you have any leftovers (which is always a possibility with this delicious dish), storing air fryer chicken legs is easy. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Make sure to use freezer bags or containers, and they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees F until they are heated through. This will help them regain some of that crispiness from the first cooking.
TIPS TO MAKE Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin get crispy because moisture can make the chicken steam instead of fry.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices. Adding garlic powder or cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor!
- Avoid Crowding: Always give enough space between the drumsticks in the air fryer basket. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached 165 degrees F. This precaution ensures that the chicken is safe to eat.
- Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the air fryer, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful bite.
VARIATIONS
There are numerous variations you can try with air fryer chicken legs:
- Spicy Buffalo Style: Toss the cooked chicken legs in buffalo sauce right after they come out of the air fryer for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Garlic: Add minced garlic and lemon zest to the flour mixture for a zesty flavor. You can also drizzle fresh lemon juice over the finished chicken.
- Herbed Chicken: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning into the spice blend for an aromatic touch.
- Barbecue: Brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and smoky flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use other chicken parts like thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time since they may have different cooking requirements.
2. Is it necessary to use flour?
Using flour helps create a crispy coating, but you can make a gluten-free version by using cornstarch or almond flour instead.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
With this recipe for air fryer chicken legs, you can enjoy a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Happy cooking!