When I want something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to make everyone happy at the dinner table, I turn to my trusty air fryer and a pack of juicy chicken legs. The magic that happens when BBQ sauce meets perfectly crisped skin is pure comfort food bliss. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with that smoky, tangy aroma that makes you peek into the air fryer every few minutes just to watch the transformation.
I love how this recipe balances everything I crave in a weeknight meal: bold flavor, minimal effort, and hardly any cleanup. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken without the mess of the grill. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want to meal prep for the week, these BBQ chicken legs never disappoint.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Legs: The star of the show! Chicken legs (also called drumsticks) are naturally juicy and flavorful. They hold up beautifully to high heat and stay tender on the inside while crisping up on the outside in the air fryer.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite style — sweet and smoky, tangy and bold, or spicy with a kick. The BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of richness. It also helps the skin turn that perfect golden-brown shade we all love.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth and a subtle savory note that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce. Garlic powder is a quick and easy way to bring in big flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient is key for a smoky, grilled-like taste — even without a grill. It deepens the flavor and gives the chicken a warm, reddish hue.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential. Salt enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, while pepper adds a little heat that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Ingredients List
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken start cooking immediately and ensures that crispy, golden skin.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel — moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub everything evenly so each piece is well coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so they cook evenly on both sides. The skin should be golden and slightly crisp by this point.
Step 4: Brush with BBQ Sauce
After the first 20 minutes, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on each drumstick. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 5–8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The sauce will caramelize and create that irresistible sticky glaze.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in all that juiciness.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the chicken space to crisp up. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use parchment liners sparingly: Too much can block airflow and prevent crisping.
- Adjust sauce sweetness: If your BBQ sauce is too sweet, mix in a bit of hot sauce or apple cider vinegar for balance.
- For extra glaze: Brush another layer of BBQ sauce after cooking and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Meal prep friendly: These reheat beautifully in the air fryer — just 5 minutes at 350°F and they taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs work great and cook in about the same time. Just make sure they reach 165°F internally.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
No marinade is needed for this recipe, but if you have extra time, letting the chicken sit in BBQ sauce and spices for 30 minutes will make it even more flavorful.
Can I make this with frozen chicken legs?
Yes, but you’ll need to add about 5–7 extra minutes to the initial cooking time. Always check that the inside is fully cooked before serving.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
That’s totally up to your taste! Sweet Baby Ray’s is a classic, but you can also use a homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results — it’ll bring the crisp right back.