Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Legs seasoned with a smoky, slightly sweet spice blend. This easy recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with perfectly crisp skin in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 to 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs/drumsticks (about 2 1/4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Dry the Chicken: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken legs dry, removing excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
- Coat with Oil: Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Toss to coat all pieces evenly.
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the oiled chicken legs in the bowl. Toss thoroughly so each piece is well coated with the spices.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually a few minutes.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for proper air circulation.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken legs for 10 minutes. Then carefully slide out the basket, flip the legs over to promote even cooking and crisping, and return the basket to the air fryer.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for an additional 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F when tested with a meat thermometer at the thickest part without touching the bone. For extra crispy skin and juicy meat, you can cook until approximately 190 degrees F.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken legs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly for crispier skin.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
