Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
If you’re on the hunt for a juicy, flavorful, and delightfully crispy chicken dish, look no further than these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks). This recipe embraces the convenience of the air fryer while delivering the irresistible crunch you crave. With a blend of spices and a touch of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness, these chicken legs are perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, they cook up in no time, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal any day of the week.
Why It Works Every Time
The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to achieving that coveted crispy skin without deep frying. The circulating hot air creates a delectable crunch while sealing in the juices of the chicken. This means you get tender, juicy meat with a satisfying crispy exterior. The combination of paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. Plus, using olive oil helps to crisp up the skin beautifully, ensuring that your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 4-6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cook’s Kit
- Air Fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy texture without excess oil.
- Mixing Bowl: For blending the seasoning and olive oil.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
- Tongs: For easy handling of the hot chicken legs.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the skin get crispy during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, using your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to kick-start the cooking process and ensures even crisping.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around the chicken for even cooking.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Air fry the chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken legs from the air fryer using tongs. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) with your favorite sides!
In-Season Swaps
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried Italian seasoning with fresh basil or oregano for a burst of flavor.
- Honey: Swap brown sugar with honey for a different type of sweetness and a unique flavor twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the spice mix for a refreshing citrus note.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Avoid skipping the drying step on the chicken legs; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) make for excellent meal prep! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. You can also freeze cooked chicken legs for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reader Q&A
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just as well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with these chicken legs?
These chicken legs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great idea! You can use the spice mix combined with the olive oil as a marinade. Just be sure to adjust the salt if you do so.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?
Certainly! You can reduce the amount of salt in the spice mix or use a salt-free seasoning blend to keep the flavors while cutting back on sodium.
The Takeaway
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. The air fryer makes it simple to achieve that coveted crunch while keeping the meat tender and juicy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch, these chicken legs are sure to impress. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in some serious crispy goodness!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the skin get crispy during cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, using your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry the chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken legs from the air fryer using tongs and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes.
- You can freeze cooked chicken legs for longer storage; wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
