Making Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer

Making chicken legs in the air fryer is a game changer when it comes to time. They turn out delicious every time and they are done in a matter of 20-22 minutes. These chicken legs will be deliciously seasoned and the outside skin will seem like they have been on the grill for an hour. 

More often than not, we are in a hurry to get dinner done. This recipe is quick and easy. I love the fact that you can mix all the ingredients together in a large gallon sized bag and you don’t have to be precise to make the most flavorful and juicy chicken legs. 

The air fryer really is a quick way to make delicious tasting dinners. We actually got ours from my dad. I probably never would have bought one, because I thought it would just take up counter space and I have made it all these years without having one. However, we have found that we use it at least once a week. It isn’t something that we use daily, but we definitely have benefited from it and I am glad that we have an air fryer now. . 

What ingredients do I need to make chicken legs in the air fryer? 

You will need 6 chicken legs, enough vegetable oil or olive oil so that they are coated, and enough seasoning to give them a good layer. You can use just about any seasoning that you have on hand. 

What steps do I take to make chicken legs in the air fryer? 

-You will want to preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees.

-While it is preheating, dump your seasoning into the gallon bag and shake it around so that the seasonings mix together. I use 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. ground black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of hickory brown sugar seasoning mix. Really, just use what you have. Don’t be scared to try some different seasoning out. 

-Put the 6 chicken legs in the bag and pour 6 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of them. Zip up the bag, and then start mushing the bag so that the oil and seasoning coats the chicken legs well.

-It is time to add them to the preheated air fryer. I lay them in so that they are going opposite directions. Big end to little end. They seem to fit better that way.

-Cook them at 380 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Flip them over after 10 minutes of cooking. 

-Check the temperature and make sure they have reached 165-185 degrees.

How many chicken legs will go into the air fryer at a time? 

My air fryer will hold 6 chicken legs at a time. I don’t like for them to touch. I think the air gets around them better, they cook all the way through, and it makes the skin on all sides get crispy when they are not touching. 

Do I need to flip them?

You will be cooking them at 380 degrees for 20-22 minutes. You will need to flip them over after 10 minutes of cooking. 

How long will I need to cook them?

My air fryer cooks larger chicken legs to temperature right at 20 minutes. If they are smaller chicken legs, 18 minutes might be just right. If they are really large, you may end up cooking them for as long as 22 minutes. Just remember to flip them half way through. 

Is there a sauce for this recipe?

This is a  dry rub chicken leg recipe. You do not need sauce. If you prefer sauce, add it after they have cooked all the way through and you have removed them from the air fryer. 

What can I serve them with?

There are so many sides that you can serve with these. You could put on some boxed mac-n-cheese, pop some frozen broccoli florets in the microwave, or bake some asparagus. I would pick something quick and easy. 

Enjoy this recipe anytime, and remember, a delicious home cooked meal isn’t out of reach. It can be a cost effective and healthy option for your family. Our dinner of chicken legs and frozen broccoli only cost us $1.50 a person. It was quick and delicious and everyone in our family loves them.