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The Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Juicy Inside, Perfect Skin)

Four golden brown, crispy air fryer chicken legs seasoned with spices, served on a white plate.
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Learn how to cook chicken legs in your air fryer for perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat every time. This easy air fryer chicken recipe uses a simple dry rub.

Ingredients

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  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs (drumsticks)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (this helps crisp the skin)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken legs completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder to create your best air fryer chicken seasoning.
  3. Place the dried chicken legs in a large bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the legs. Toss them well until every piece is evenly coated.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure air circulation.
  6. Cook for 15 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  7. After 15 minutes, carefully flip the chicken legs. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  8. Continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
  9. Remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For the crispiest skin air fryer legs, ensure the chicken is very dry before seasoning.
  • If cooking from frozen, you must thaw them first or add 5-10 minutes to the initial cooking time at the lower temperature.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the temperature at the 18-minute mark to prevent drying out the meat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/air-fryer-chicken-legs/