Description
These air fryer chicken legs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with smoky savory flavor. With simple seasonings and quick cooking time, they make an easy weeknight dinner or protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (approximately 4–6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil (avocado oil, olive oil, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat all sides of the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels and place them on a large plate or cutting board.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder until fully combined.
- Drizzle or brush the seasoning mixture evenly over the drumsticks, rubbing it into the skin to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the drumsticks for 10 minutes.
- Flip each drumstick over and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted near the bone. Continue air frying in 1 to 2 minute intervals until the internal temperature reaches at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispy skin.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and air fryer model.
- For extra crispy skin, spray the drumsticks lightly with additional oil before cooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
