Air Fryer Chicken Legs
These Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) are perfectly seasoned and crispy thanks to a special ingredient. You NEED to make these!
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There are some recipes that will make you want to give your air fryer a hug (when it’s properly cooled off, of course). This recipe is one of them! Yes, it’s really THAT good. This recipe results in the perfect flavor, moisture, and crispiness and it’s super easy to make.
“Fast and easy and the chicken came out great!”
~reader Tiffany from Pinterest
Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredient quantities for these easy air fryer chicken drumsticks are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Chicken legs/drumsticks: You’ll want to choose bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks for this recipe. The good thing is that these are often on sale!
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Cumin
- Salt
- Baking powder: 🤫 This is the secret ingredient that makes these chicken legs so crispy!
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Quick Overview)
The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the air fryer chicken legs. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Note
For best results, preheat your air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 400 F before placing the drumsticks into the air fryer.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl. (Photo 1)
- Place drumsticks onto a clean plate. Pat the drumsticks dry to remove any moisture and then coat them evenly with olive oil. (Photo 2)
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto the drumsticks and rub in to coat evenly. (Photo 3)
- Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket. (Photo 4) Cook at 400 F for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the drumsticks over. Then cook for another 6-10 minutes, until the outside of the drumsticks is crispy and browned. (Photo 5)
- Check the internal temperature of the drumsticks to make sure they have reached at least 165 F. If needed, return the drumsticks to the air fryer for another 2-5 minutes.
Note
Some people (myself included!) prefer the taste of air fryer chicken legs heated up to 185-195 F instead of 165 F. Give it a try and see what you think!
- Serve warm. (Photo 6)
More Air Fryer Recipes
When your air fryer is ready for more action, give some of these recipes a try:
Enjoy!
Looking for an Air Fryer?
If you’re looking for an air fryer, I can’t recommend the Ninja Foodi enough. It’s not only an air fryer but also a pressure cooker, slow cooker, dehydrator, and more! I love it and use it daily.
What Sides Pair Well With Air Fryer Drumsticks?
Need some solid sides for your drumsticks? Here are a few ideas to try:
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Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (approx. 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder
Instructions
- For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400 F for 5-6 minutes before placing the chicken legs into the air fryer.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Place chicken legs onto a clean plate. Pat them dry to remove any moisture and then coat them evenly with olive oil.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto the chicken legs and rub in to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken legs into the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 F for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken legs over. Then cook for another 6-10 minutes, until the outside is crispy and browned.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken legs to make sure they have reached at least 165 F. Note that some people (myself included!) prefer the flavor of chicken legs that are heated to 185-195 F. If needed, return the chicken legs to the air fryer for another 2-5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Estimates (Per Serving)
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.
These came out perfectly completely crunchy and brown and they’re just amazing. Highly recommend making this recipe. I love drumsticks so this was perfect.
Thank you so much for the great review, Janis! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed my recipe! 😊
Can they be cooked if they are still frozen?
Hi Anita! To make these from frozen, lengthen the first cooking cycle from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. You will likely need to tack on a few more minutes near the end as well, especially if you are cooking them to a higher temp. Just make sure to use a food thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165 F inside. Enjoy!
5 star. No garlic or cumin for me. Red, black pepper, salt
Thank you, Jane! I’m so glad you liked it!
If you don’t have baking powder what else can you used thanks
Hi Taylor! You can substitute the 1/2 tbsp baking powder with 1 tbsp cornstarch, or you can just skip it all together.
my airfyer don’t preheat
Hi Jan, No worries! If you don’t have a preheat function, you can turn on your air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 400 F without anything in it.
Great chicken came out excellent
Thank you, George! I’m so happy to hear you liked it!
hi can chicken without skin be used ?
Hi Jan, yes! Just lower the cook temp from 400 F to 390 F. The rest of the recipe can be followed as-is. Enjoy!
Very good, as per the comments I have increased the cooking time.
Delicious, easy, and quick! My husband and I both loved them. My drumsticks were large, so they took longer to cook.
Thank you so much, Amy! I’m so glad to hear you and your husband loved them.
Wonderful flavor