Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken legs seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper. This easy, gluten-free recipe delivers juicy meat with golden-brown skin in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil to coat evenly.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken legs and rub thoroughly to cover all sides.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing them out so air can circulate freely for crispy results.
- Cook the Drumsticks: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken drumsticks in the seasoning and olive oil for 1–2 hours before cooking.
- This recipe can also be used with chicken thighs or wings; adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to achieve the best crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for food safety and perfect texture.
