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    You are here: Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Last Modified: February 24, 2024

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 185 reviews

    These air fryer chicken legs are seasoned with a simple blend of ingredients and cooked to absolute perfection. They are so juicy and have a crispy skin that’s out of this world addicting! I get excited when I have a recipe come out as good as this one. The seasoning, the timing, the temperature, everything comes together and makes a meal that is so unbelievably good! My air fryer has been one of my most used kitchen appliances ever, and recipes like this are the reason why.

    Perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken legs in your air fryer

    Start With Simple Ingredients

    I love making recipes that use everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. For this recipe we use brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard and a pinch of cayenne. We mix all the ingredients together in a large zip-top bag, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 6 chicken legs. Shake it all up real well and let it marinate in the refrigerator. How long? If you can let it marinate for at least an hour, you’ll be glad you did. If you can let it marinate overnight, oh wow!

    Air fryer chicken legs recipe

    Chicken Legs Are Easy to Make in the Air Fryer

    Chicken legs are a rather forgiving meat when it comes to making in an air fryer. We want to be sure to cook to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. If you don’t have an instant-read kitchen thermometer, I highly recommend one. Not just for this dish, but it will make cooking everything that much better. The air fryer is perfect for quickly cooking the chicken legs so that they are juicy on the inside, with an unbelievably perfect crispy skin. That’s the key! We don’t have to broil or grill, just let the air fryer and the ingredients from this recipe do all the work.

    How Long to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Legs?

    Start with a preheated air fryer. Then use the “air fry” setting at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time. For smaller chicken legs it will be closer to 18 minutes. For larger chicken legs it will be closer to 22 minutes. But always take a look and use that instant-read thermometer to make sure it has an internal temperature of at least 165°F. In fact, you can go all the way to 185°F with chicken legs.

    Don’t Need to Use Sauce

    For this recipe, we do not use sauce during the cooking. The ingredients are going to give you a nice barbecue flavor, while still letting the flavors of the chicken shine through. If you want to add sauce, you certainly can. Just add your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of the cooking time. But trust me, I don’t think you’ll need it.

    Recipe for air fryer chicken legs

    Other Recipes You Might Like

    If you like this recipe, you’re really gonna love a few more of our air fryer chicken recipes!

    • Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Oh my goodness! Take homemade wings to a new level with this wings recipe. We expertly season the wings and then air fry them to crispy, juicy perfection. No messy sauces either. These wings are sure to be a big hit for any occasion.
    • Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a few simple ingredients to make the most mouthwatering chicken thighs that can be made in an air fryer.
    • Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Making chicken tenders in an air fryer is absolutely the best way to enjoy these crispy treats. We make a simple breading and use boneless, skinless chicken breast to make tenders that will rival any restaurant-made chicken tenders.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use frozen chicken legs?

    For this recipe the chicken must be defrosted or fresh.

    Are they spicy?

    The cayenne adds a little kick and helps boost the other flavors. You can omit the cayenne entirely if you want to heat at all.

    I’m having trouble getting that nice, dark crispy skin. What can I do?

    Make sure that you pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel first. Out of the package, there will be lots of water moisture. Too much moisture can cause the skin to steam, and we won’t get the Maillard reaction that gives us that beautiful look and taste.

    Also, temps can vary from appliance to appliance. If your chicken legs aren’t showing much color after 15 minutes, turn the temp up to 400° for the final minutes of cooking time.

    Can this recipe be made in a regular oven?

    We have a great recipe for Best Damn Oven Baked Chicken Legs!

    Print

    Recipe

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    Chicken legs made in an air fryer

    Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 185 reviews

    • Author: RecipeTeacher
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 6 chicken legs
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Tender and delicious chicken legs cooked to perfection in an air fryer.


    Ingredients

    • 6 chicken legs
    • 3 tbs brown sugar
    • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
    • 1 tsp ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp ground mustard
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
    • 1 tbs vegetable oil

    Instructions

    1. Pat chicken legs dry with a paper towel.
    2. Add all dry ingredients to a large zip-top bag and shake to mix well. Add chicken to bag with vegetable oil and shake until all the chicken is coated.
    3. Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F. Add chicken to air fryer and use air fry setting at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning chicken halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°-185° when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 20 min
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American

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    Recipe for air fryer chicken legs in an air fryer.
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    1. Jason says

      June 16, 2025 at 8:52 pm

      Best Dam Airfryer chicken legs ever! 100% will make again. New family favorite!!

      Reply
    2. Jacquie says

      May 04, 2025 at 9:25 pm

      I really liked this chicken! The only thing I changed was reducing the B. Sugar to 1 T.. Perfect amount of sweet to spicy. Thanks.

      Reply
    3. Jennifer Barr says

      April 30, 2025 at 4:01 pm

      These really are the best air fryer chicken legs ever!!!

      Reply
    4. Laura in Wasilla, Alaska says

      April 16, 2025 at 9:54 pm

      Truth! Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs, ever! Three of the pickiest eaters each ate two (ages 11, 10 and 8) — tho I did have to take the meat off the legs before serving, and then I gnawed on the bones. Served the meat with plain steamed rice, and plain steamed peas/carrots from a bag. The plates were empty! 🙂 🙂 Thank you for something super simple, and quick to prepare. This recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
      • RecipeTeacher says

        April 16, 2025 at 9:59 pm

        Hey Laura in Alaska! This is SO awesome! I’m glad everyone loved the chicken legs!

        And I appreciate the feedback. – Jason

        Reply
    5. Dee says

      April 07, 2025 at 6:12 pm

      My first adventure with an air fryer and it could not have been better! This recipe is the ONLY one I will use for chicken legs. We’re still licking our lips. Thank you so much 👍

      Reply
      • RecipeTeacher says

        April 07, 2025 at 6:31 pm

        Yay! Thanks so much for the feedback, Dee! Many more great air fryer adventures to come. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Audrey says

      March 31, 2025 at 3:20 pm

      Best damn chicken rub! Family and friends rave over it! I use it all the time!

      Reply
    7. Tim says

      March 30, 2025 at 9:37 pm

      You are correct

      Reply
    8. Shelly Rae Suddaby says

      March 05, 2025 at 5:10 pm

      This is the best damn air fryer chicken leg recipe. I prepared this as directed and it was magnificent.

      Reply
    9. Denice Foster says

      February 26, 2025 at 5:08 pm

      Turned out great!!! Defying the menu rotation.

      Reply
    10. Michelle says

      February 23, 2025 at 4:39 pm

      I have made this recipe two times so far. It’s fantastic. I use the one-bag method, but I substitute vegetable oil and brown sugar for extra virgin olive oil and a healthy splash of pure maple syrup. Delicious.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Jason of Recipeteacher.com

    Hi, I’m Jason and i’m here to help you make easy, delicious homemade recipes. My approach is to provide the easy-to-understand instructions, use simple ingredients, and have you make the best meals possible.

    More about me →

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