Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

Air fryer chicken legs are one of my favorite things to make. The skin gets crispy, the meat stays juicy, and you don't need much seasoning for them to taste really good.

I usually make these when I want something simple that everyone will eat. Just season the chicken, put it in the air fryer, and dinner is ready in about 25 minutes.

Below I'll show you the time and temperature I use so the chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside every time.

Chicken legs are sometimes called drumsticks, although technically a drumstick is just the lower part of the leg.

If you're cooking chicken straight from the freezer, take a look at my frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer guide.

How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer

Chicken legs usually cook in the air fryer at 390°F for about 24 to 26 minutes, depending on their size. I like to flip them halfway through cooking so both sides get nice and crispy.

The best way to know they're done is to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs Time and Temperature

The chart below shows the cooking time for chicken legs at different air fryer temperatures. I usually cook them at 390°F because it gives crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy inside. Cooking at a slightly lower or higher temperature will change the texture and cooking time a little.

Temperature	Cook Time	Result
375ºF	26-28 min	Juicy chicken, softer skin
390ºF	24-26 min	Balanced crispy skin and juicy meat
400ºF	22-24 min	Crispiest skin

Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken legs and the air fryer model you are using.

Ingredients you'll need to make Chicken Legs.

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions down below**

Chicken legs
Bone-in chicken legs are perfect for cooking in the air fryer.

Olive oil
Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and promotes crispier skin.

BBQ dry rub (salt-free)
It's best to use a salt-free BBQ rub to control the amount of salt going into your meal. You can buy spice rubs ready-made or make your own.

Once you know the basic method, you can easily change the flavor with different seasoning blends.

How to Choose the Best Chicken Legs

When buying chicken legs, look for pieces that have smooth skin and a fresh pink color. Try to choose drumsticks that are similar in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. If some are much larger than others, the smaller ones may cook faster and start to dry out.

I also like to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing extra moisture helps the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.

Best Seasonings for Chicken Legs

Chicken legs are very forgiving and work well with many different seasoning blends. Once you know the basic cooking method, you can easily change the flavor depending on what you have in your pantry.

Some simple seasoning ideas include:

• BBQ seasoning
  A simple BBQ dry rub gives chicken legs a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. If you enjoy barbecue-style chicken, you can also try my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
• Buffalo seasoning
  For a spicy version, toss the cooked chicken legs in buffalo sauce. My Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer are a great option if you like bold flavors.
• Cajun seasoning
  Cajun seasoning adds a little heat and lots of flavor. If you like Cajun spices, check out my Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
• Teriyaki glaze
• For something a little sweeter, brush the chicken legs with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. You might also like my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Legs.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer

Step 1
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning, making sure to coat all sides.

Step 2
Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Next, step 3
Cook at 390°F for 12-13 minutes, then flip the chicken legs.

Step 4
Continue cooking another 12-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove from the basket and serve immediately with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

How to Know When Chicken Legs Are Done

The most reliable way to know when chicken legs are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.

If you don't have a thermometer, the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer look pink near the bone. The chicken legs should also feel firm when pressed lightly with tongs.

Recipe tips

• If the chicken legs are large, add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time
• Pat the chicken legs dry before seasoning
• Cook them in a single layer so air circulates properly
• Flip halfway through cooking
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving

How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken Legs

If you like really crispy skin, cook the chicken legs at 400°F for the last 3-4 minutes. This helps the skin brown and crisp up without drying out the meat.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Chicken Legs

The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken legs, cooking them quickly and evenly. This helps the skin become crispy while the inside stays juicy.

Because the hot air surrounds the food, the legs cook faster than they would in the oven.

Can You Use Frozen Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer?

Yes, frozen chicken legs can be cooked in the air fryer, but they will take longer than fresh chicken. Frozen chicken legs usually need 30-40 minutes depending on their size.

If you're cooking chicken straight from the freezer, see my frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer recipe for the full instructions.

What to Serve With Chicken Legs

Chicken legs go well with simple sides like:

• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Japanese Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Frozen Chicken Breast
• Frozen Chicken Drumsticks
• Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

How to Store Leftover Chicken Legs

You can store leftover air fryer chicken legs in the fridge or freezer as a handy ready-made meal. 

When storing, always seal them in an airtight container and ensure that you move them to the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking them. Cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months.

How to Reheat Chicken Legs

Reheating chicken legs in the air fryer: 

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Then, lay the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring you leave space between each piece. 
• Fry for 4 minutes, flipping once halfway through. 
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F before serving. 
• If reheating from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.

On the stovetop:

• Add oil or butter to a non-stick pan, and heat it over low heat.
• Then, add the chicken to the pan and heat it until the meat thermometer reads 165°F.
• You will need to defrost frozen chicken before reheating it on the stovetop.

In the oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. 
• Lay the chicken out on a rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips.
• Once the oven is warm enough, put the chicken in and bake for 15 minutes, or until the meat thermometer reads 165°F.
• You will need to defrost frozen chicken before reheating it in the oven.

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