Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Made with a sweet and smoky dry rub, this recipe for Air Fryer Drumsticks delivers incredibly juicy chicken with irresistibly crispy skin.
Servings: 4
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
- 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
Instructions
- If needed per your air fryer model, preheat the air fryer to 400℉ (200℃).
- In a small bowl mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush each drumstick 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℉. Remove basket, flip chicken legs, and then return to the air fryer and air fry for an additional 8 minutes.
- At this time, check the chicken legs with a digital thermometer to ensure they have reached 165℉ (74℃). If not, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Use the Drumstick Portion. Technically, chicken legs are made up of both the thigh and drumstick. This recipe is specifically designed for the drumstick portion of the chicken leg.
For Boneless, Skinless Chicken Drumsticks: Season as directed, air fry the chicken for 6 minutes at 380℉. Remove the basket, flip, return to air fryer, and continue to air fry for another 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
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.
Double The Recipe: As written this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs makes 4 chicken drumsticks, which makes 4 small servings or 2 hearty servings. To make 8 chicken drumsticks, 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℉ 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℉ air fryer for 3-4 minutes just until warmed through.
Do not use frozen chicken drumsticks, as they will 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
