When I crave something hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying, crispy chicken legs always hit the spot. The best part? I can make them perfectly golden and crunchy without turning on the oven or dealing with messy oil splatters. My air fryer has completely changed the way I cook — it delivers that irresistible crispy texture we all love, but with much less effort (and guilt).
This recipe has become my go-to for weeknights when I want something fast but still crave that homemade comfort food flavor. The chicken legs come out beautifully crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned just right. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want to go back to deep-frying again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Legs: The star of the show. Chicken drumsticks have the perfect ratio of meat to skin, which helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Choose fresh, evenly sized legs so they cook at the same rate.
Olive Oil: Just a touch of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and promotes that deep, golden-brown crispiness. You only need a light coating — the air fryer does the rest.
Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and warm color that makes the chicken look and taste incredible. Smoked paprika works beautifully if you like a bolder flavor.
Garlic Powder: A must for savory depth. Garlic powder gives the chicken a rich aroma that pairs perfectly with the crispy skin.
Onion Powder: Slightly sweet and earthy, onion powder adds another layer of flavor that makes the seasoning blend more balanced.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential to bring out all the flavors. A pinch of coarse salt enhances the crisp texture, while black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
Optional Spices: Want to level it up? Try adding a little cayenne pepper for spice, or Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
Ingredients List
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Starting with a hot air fryer helps create that perfect crispy coating right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels — this step is crucial. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this blend over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Legs
Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap so the air can circulate freely. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Let Them Rest
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, keeping the meat tender and moist inside.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the chicken legs space to crisp evenly. If you’re cooking a big batch, do it in two rounds.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked — juicy, not dry.
- Dry the skin well: The drier the skin, the crispier it gets. Paper towels are your best friend here.
- Add extra flavor: Brush on a little barbecue sauce or honey glaze during the last few minutes for a fun twist.
- Reheat like a pro: If you have leftovers, pop them back into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cook time slightly — thighs may need a few extra minutes depending on size.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
You don’t have to, but you can if you want deeper flavor. A short 30-minute marinate with your seasoning mix and olive oil works great.
Can I make this recipe without oil?
Yes, but a small amount of oil really helps with crispiness. If you’re avoiding oil, use an oil spray mist to keep it light.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The easiest way is to use a thermometer — once it reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, it’s ready.
What can I serve with air fryer chicken legs?
These go perfectly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter option, try coleslaw or air fryer sweet potato fries.