I love experimenting in the kitchen, especially when it comes to turning everyday ingredients into something irresistible. Chicken legs have always been a favorite of mine—they’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up seasonings. Recently, I discovered a technique that gives them an irresistible crispy coating without deep frying, and the air fryer made it so easy and almost foolproof.
What excites me the most is how versatile this recipe can be. You can season it any way you like, pair it with your favorite dipping sauces, and serve it with practically anything. Plus, using a light flour coating gives the chicken a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Every bite feels like a little celebration of flavor and texture.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Legs: Chicken legs are the star of this recipe. Their rich flavor and natural juiciness make them perfect for air frying. They cook evenly and stay tender inside while achieving a deliciously crisp outer layer when coated in flour.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour acts as the base for the crispy coating. It helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and creates a golden crust once cooked in the air fryer. You can also experiment with adding a little cornstarch for an extra crunch.
Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and helps season the flour coating. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference in taste.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and depth to the flavor. It pairs perfectly with the flour coating to give the chicken a savory kick.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings a warm, aromatic flavor that infuses the coating without overpowering the chicken. It’s one of my go-to seasonings for poultry.
Paprika: Paprika adds a beautiful color and subtle smokiness to the flour coating. It makes the chicken look as good as it tastes.
Olive Oil (or Cooking Spray): A light coating of olive oil helps the flour crisp up in the air fryer, giving the chicken that golden-brown finish without frying it in oil.
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken legs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Flour
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying them is key because it helps the flour stick better and ensures a crispy coating.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Lightly coat each chicken leg with the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes crisp.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Pat the chicken dry before coating to ensure the flour sticks properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each piece space for even cooking.
- Use a mix of flour and cornstarch if you want extra crunch.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne, or onion powder for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?
Yes! Chicken thighs work just as well and will be just as juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on size.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No, the seasoned flour coating gives plenty of flavor, but marinating can add an extra layer of taste if desired.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
You can, but you’ll need to bake the chicken in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe and tasty alternative.