• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • 30-Minute Meals
      • Easy Pork Recipes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes
      • Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps
      • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Beverage Recipes
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Low Carb
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
    • Start Here: Instant Pot 101
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
    • Sign Up for Instant Pot Tips and Recipes
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • About Me
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
  • Subscribe to Newsletters
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    By Kristen Chidsey | 11 Comments | Published July 26, 2021 | Updated July 4, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs are made with a flavorful dry rub and air-fried until the skin is crispy while the chicken remains juicy and tender. Seriously the BEST way to enjoy chicken legs and so easy!!

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs are made with a flavorful dry rub and air-fried until the skin is crispy while the chicken remains juicy and tender.

    Serve these juicy, tender air-fried chicken legs with a side of baked beans or Instant Pot Corn on the Cob for an easy, delicious meal.

    4 Air Fryer Chicken Legs on a white platter.

    This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs makes the BEST chicken legs EVER!

    They are juicy, tender, while the skin is crispy and perfectly seasoned with a slightly sweet dry rub. And best of all, making chicken legs in the air fryer, couldn't be easier!

    Just like my recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs, this recipe cooks up chicken legs without heating up the kitchen. But unlike the slow cooker recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Legs come together in less than 20 minutes! Making this recipe perfect for busy nights.

    What you Need to Air Fry Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs, dry rub, and oil on counter.
    • Chicken Legs/Chicken Drumsticks: If you can, I highly recommend using organic, dry chilled chicken legs. They are less fatty and just taste better. But any chicken leg or drumstick works well and will still be delicious.
    • Dry Rub: This recipe uses the same dry rub I make for Air Fryer Chicken Wings. It is a combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I do add in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Feel free to omit to control the spice level.
    • Oil: You just need a tiny bit of oil to brush onto the skin of the chicken legs. This will not only help the skin to crisp up but also allow the rub to adhere to the chicken. As for the type of oil, use either canola, vegetable, or avocado oil, as they all have a high smoking point.
    • Air Fryer: This recipe will work with any air fryer you have. I personally have a basic GoWise Air Fryer that has worked well for me.

    How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    • If needed per your air fryer model, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
    • Prepare the dry rub by mixing together the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar together.
    • Brush each chicken leg lightly with oil and then rub the dry rub mixture over each chicken leg, being sure to evenly coat the entire surface.
    Side by side photo of chicken leg being brushed with oil then seasoned with dry rub.
    • Place the chicken legs in the basket or tray of your air fryer, being sure to not overlap the chicken legs. Work in batches if needed.
    • Air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove basket, flip chicken legs, and then return to the air fryer and air fry for an additional 8 minutes at 400 degrees.
    • At this time, check the chicken legs with a digital thermometer to ensure they have reached 165 degrees F. If not, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
    Side by side photo of chicken legs in basket of air fryer before and after cooking.
    • Serve immediately with lots of napkins!
    Chicken Legs with dry rub on white platter.

    Storage and Reheating

    Leftover chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 400 degree F air fryer for 3-4 minutes just until warmed through.  

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this recipe using frozen chicken legs?

    No. I do not recommend using frozen chicken for this recipe, as it will not cook evenly and the rub will not adhere to the chicken.

    Is brown sugar necessary in the rub?

    No. Feel free to omit the brown sugar from the rub if you need a keto-friendly or low-carb recipe.

    I don't have smoked paprika. Can I use regular paprika?

    Absolutely! The smoked paprika adds a bit more depth of flavor to the chicken legs, but this rub is still delicious with regular paprika.

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    Yes! As written this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs makes 4 chicken legs, which makes 4 small servings or 2 hearty servings. To make 8 chicken legs, you will need to work in batches to air fry the chicken. Keep the first batch in the oven at 200 degrees F while the other batch cooks up.

    Can the sodium level be adjusted in this recipe?

    Yes! Feel free to cut the salt in half or omit it if needed.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
    • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
    • Air Fryer Chicken Breast
    • Air Fryer Potatoes
    • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    If you enjoyed this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs, please leave a comment and a 5-star review below. I love to hear from you!

    Air Fried Chicken Legs in basket of air fryer.

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs are made with a flavorful dry rub and air-fried until the skin is crispy while the chicken remains juicy and tender.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 16 minutes
    Total Time: 21 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 294kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 4 chicken legs
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • If needed per your air fryer model, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
    • In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
    • Brush each chicken leg lightly with oil. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over each chicken leg and then use your hands to rub the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chicken.
    • Place the chicken legs in the basket or tray of your air fryer, being sure to not overlap the chicken legs, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove basket, flip chicken legs, and then return to the air fryer and air fry for an additional 8 minutes at 400 degrees F.
    • At this time, check the chicken legs with a digital thermometer to ensure they have reached 165 degrees F. If not, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
    • Serve immediately.

    Equipment Needed

    • Air Fryer

    Notes

    Seasonings: Feel free to omit the sugar or salt if needed/desired for dietary concerns. You can also use regular paprika in place of smoked paprika if that is what you have on hand. 
    Serving Size: As written this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs makes 4 chicken legs, which makes 4 small servings or 2 hearty servings. To make 8 chicken legs, you will need to double the dry rub and work in batches to air fry the chicken. Keep the first batch in the oven at 200 degrees F while the other batch cooks up.
    Leftovers: Leftover chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 400 degree F air fryer for 3-4 minutes just until warmed through. 
    Do not use frozen chicken legs, as they do not cook evenly. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    Pin
    Share
    « Easy Lunch Ideas For Kids
    Instant Pot Taco Lasagna »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nydia

      February 20, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy and the taste is super delicious! My family loves it.👍🏻💕

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 21, 2022 at 6:51 am

        YAY! I love hearing that Nydia! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. SHARON MAHAN

      August 03, 2021 at 8:26 pm

      I have already made these twice and looking forward to the third, and fourth, and fifth and ...!!! I collect recipes and always rate them after trying the recipe. I don't have enough stars to give justice to this delicious find. THANK YOU for sharing, Kristen.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 04, 2021 at 7:29 am

        You just made my day Sharon! Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know Sharon!

        Reply
    3. Betsy

      July 27, 2021 at 1:01 am

      5 stars
      This is so easy! And healthy! Love the delicious seasonings on the chicken. So good! And this was so incredibly easy to make in the air fryer! Huge hit! Looking forward to doing this again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 27, 2021 at 6:42 am

        I love hearing that you found this recipe easy and delicious!

        Reply
    4. Lily

      July 26, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      These legs had the perfect crispy skin and we loved the dry rub!! I have been trying out a variety of chicken legs recipes and this is our favorite so far!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 27, 2021 at 6:42 am

        I love hearing this was your favorite. Thanks for sharing Lily

        Reply
    5. Kristyn

      July 26, 2021 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Love this air fryer version! I love making chicken legs & the air fryer makes them nice & golden & crisp. The seasonings add a delicious flavor!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 27, 2021 at 6:43 am

        I love the crisp texture myself. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 🙂

        Reply
    6. Linda

      July 26, 2021 at 10:46 am

      This sounds so good, will try this week.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet A Mind "Full" Mom

    welcomeHi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

    Instant Pot Favorites

    jar of plain yogurt next to instant pot

    Instant Pot Yogurt

    Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Sliced Open on cutting board

    Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Shredded Pot Roast with carrots and Potatoes in white bowl next to Instant Pot.

    Instant Pot Pot Roast

    Whole Chicken on cutting board

    Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

    Bowl of Cold Start Yogurt

    Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt

    Inner pot of instant pot filled dried beans

    Instant Pot Beans

    4 chicken breasts cooked inside instant pot.

    Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)

    How to use the instant pot as a slow cooker

    How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

    Reader Favorites

    Bowl of Baked Meatballs.

    The Best Baked Meatballs

    slice of egg cheese overnight breakfast casserole with sausage

    Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice in yellow casserole dish

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

    Baked Potato on White Plate

    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

    Chili seasonings labled on wooden board

    DIY Chili Seasoning

    Plate of chicken and bok choy stir fry topped with cilantro.

    Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy

    Platter of Instant Pot Wings next to ranch dressing

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings

    Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts

    Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

    Taco Meat in skillet with wooden spoon

    The Best Taco Meat Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Tenders on platter.

    Homemade Chicken Tenders

    FEATURED ON

    featured

    Footer

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM