Air Fryer Chicken Legs

From the sweet and smokey rub to the crispy skin to the juicy meat, these Air Fryer Chicken Legs are an easy, family favorite recipe that is packed with flavor.

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight staple recipe--Air Fried Chicken Legs!

Made with a slightly sweet, slightly smokey rub and air-fried until the skin is super crispy, yet the meat is tender and juicy, Air Fryer Chicken Leg knocks it out of the park in terms of flavor and ease. 

This recipe for chicken legs uses super affordable ingredients to create a delicious, finger-licking good chicken dinner in less than 20 minutes. And parents rejoice--this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs also happens to be a huge hit with picky eaters. 

Paired with a side of baked beans, succotash, or Instant Pot Corn on the Cob, Air Fryer Chicken Legs is a meal your family will beg you to make on repeat. And because it is so darn easy, you will have no problem fulfilling their request!

What you Need to Air Fry Chicken Legs

• Chicken Legs/Chicken Drumsticks: Use fresh or frozen bone-in chicken legs that have been fully defrosted. You can prepare these chicken drumsticks with or without the skin--it is just based on your preference.
• 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 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 for many years now.

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 in a small bowl.
• Brush each chicken leg lightly with oil. Remember, this will help the rub adhere to the chicken and the skin crisp up.
• Rub the dry rub mixture over each chicken leg, being sure to evenly coat the entire surface--we want every bite to have flavor!

• Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket or tray of your air fryer in a single layer. We don't want to overlap the chicken legs so that the air can evenly circulate around the chicken legs so everything cooks evenly and the skin has a chance to fully crisp up. Work in batches if needed.
• Air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove the basket, flip the 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 meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. If not, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the temperature is reached.

• While you can serve these chicken legs with a side of BBQ Sauce, they don't need ANYTHING! The rub is spot on and gives the chicken incredible flavor. The only thing you do need is lots of napkins!

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, or until just warmed through.  

Recipe FAQs

More Air Fryer Recipes

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

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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!