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Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

This Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe delivers ultra-crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat in just 30 minutes! Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, these drumsticks make a quick and easy dinner, meal prep option, or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Seasoning Blend

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken

  • Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Rub with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere.

Season the Chicken

  • In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings together.
  • Evenly coat the chicken legs with the seasoning blend.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer
  • Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.

Cook the Chicken Legs

  • Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 175°F (79°C).

Serve & Enjoy

  • Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
  • Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Variations: Try BBQ seasoning, lemon-pepper, or buffalo sauce for a flavor twist.
  • Using Frozen Chicken Legs? Increase cooking time to 30–35 minutes and ensure the internal temp reaches 175°F.