Are you wondering how long to air fry chicken legs for that perfect crispy-on-the-outside juicy-on-the-inside result? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions for air fryer beginners, and I’m here to help you master this delicious, family-friendly dish.
After testing dozens of batches in my kitchen (and dealing with a few overcooking disasters!), I’ve found the sweet spot for cooking chicken legs in the air fryer Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make mouthwatering air fryer chicken legs every single time
The Perfect Cooking Time for Air Fryer Chicken Legs
The standard cooking time for chicken legs (drumsticks) in an air fryer is 18-20 minutes total at 380°F (200°C). This breaks down to:
- First 10 minutes of cooking
- Flip the chicken legs
- Additional 7-8 minutes of cooking
However, this is just a starting point! The exact time depends on
- Size of your chicken legs
- Your specific air fryer model
- How many legs you’re cooking at once
- Whether they’re frozen or thawed
Most important tip: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. This is the only foolproof way to ensure your chicken is safely cooked.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer
What You’ll Need:
- 4-6 chicken legs/drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Your favorite seasonings (more on this below!)
Simple Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Pat the legs dry with paper towels (this helps them get crispy!)
- Season: Add olive oil and your seasonings, tossing until fully coated
- Arrange: Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes
- Flip: Turn the legs over
- Finish cooking: Continue air frying for 7-8 more minutes
- Check temperature: Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F
- Rest: Let stand for a few minutes before serving
My Favorite Simple Seasoning Mix
For a basic but delicious seasoning blend, try:
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Mix these together in a small bowl before coating your chicken. The brown sugar helps with caramelization and gives a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
If your air fryer is packed too full, the hot air can’t circulate properly. This results in uneven cooking and less crispy skin. Cook in batches if needed!
2. Know Your Air Fryer
Different models can vary in temperature and cooking times. The first time you make chicken legs, check them earlier than the recipe suggests. Make notes for next time!
3. Prevent Dry Chicken
Nothing’s worse than dry chicken! Here’s how to keep it juicy:
- Don’t skimp on the oil
- Don’t overcook (use that meat thermometer!)
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking
4. Getting Extra Crispy Skin
For extra crispy skin, try these tricks:
- Make sure the chicken is VERY dry before adding oil and seasonings
- Spray with a little cooking spray right before the final few minutes of cooking
- Consider a light coating of baking powder in your seasoning mix (sounds weird but works!)
FAQs About Air Frying Chicken Legs
How long do I cook frozen chicken legs in the air fryer?
If cooking from frozen, add approximately 5-7 minutes to your cooking time. Start with 12 minutes at 380°F, flip, then cook for another 10-12 minutes, checking temperature.
Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Yes! Wings cook faster (about 15-16 minutes total) while thighs take slightly longer (22-25 minutes). Always use your meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
While not always necessary, preheating for 2-3 minutes can help with even cooking. Check your air fryer’s manual for specific recommendations.
How do I know when chicken legs are done without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is best, you can also check by cutting into the thickest part – the meat should be white throughout with clear juices. No pink should remain.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Try these flavor variations:
BBQ Style
- Season with your favorite BBQ rub
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking
Lemon Herb
- Add lemon zest to your seasoning mix
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the legs after cooking
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley
Spicy Buffalo
- Add cayenne to your seasoning mix
- Toss in buffalo sauce after cooking
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Complete your meal with these perfect side dishes:
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Honey lime quinoa fruit salad
- Garlic ranch smashed potatoes
- Homemade crescent rolls
- Simple green salad
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you! Here’s what to do with them:
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken legs for 3-4 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F. This revives that crispy skin! Microwave works too, but the skin won’t be as crispy.
Why Air Fryer Chicken Legs Are My Go-To Dinner
I’ve been making air fryer chicken legs for my family at least twice a month for the past year, and here’s why I’m obsessed:
- They’re budget-friendly – Chicken legs are one of the most economical cuts of meat
- Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love handheld drumsticks
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes total
- Less mess – No oil splatters like with stovetop frying
- Healthier option – Crispy texture without deep frying
Final Thoughts
Air fryer chicken legs have become one of our household favorites, and I’m betting they’ll become yours too! The perfect combination of juicy meat, crispy skin, and endless flavor possibilities makes this an ideal weeknight dinner.
Remember that the key timing is 10 minutes + flip + 7-8 more minutes at 380°F, but always use your thermometer to check for that magic 165°F internal temperature.
What are your favorite seasonings for chicken legs? Drop a comment below – I’m always looking for new flavor combinations to try!
Happy air frying!
How to Air Fry Chicken Drumsticks
Leave the skin on if you like crispy skin, or take it off if you prefer. Either way, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and spices in a small bowl. Then drizzle the drumsticks with the olive oil and add the flour mixture. Toss to mix everything together.
Put the drumsticks in the air fryer in a single layer. Use foil or parchment paper to make cleanup even easier! Make sure you don’t crowd the basket so there is room for the air to circulate. I can fit 4 to 6 drumsticks in my 5.8-quart Cosori air fryer, depending on their size.
Air fry at 360 degrees F for 10 minutes. Then flip chicken drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes. The chicken will be light brown and charred.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It is done when it reaches 165 degrees F.
Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, don’t try to cook based just on time. A thermometer is not expensive and the peace of mind they give you is priceless. Food poisoning is not fun! This is my favorite inexpensive meat thermometer, which you can buy on Amazon.
Always check the internal temperature since the cooking time will vary based on your air fryer and the size of the chicken legs.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Legs
These air-fried chicken drumsticks feature juicy meat combined with crunchy skin. I love serving them for a weeknight dinner, especially with favorite sides like garlic mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, sweet potato fries, or baked beans.
You can store the chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. To reheat leftover chicken legs put them back in the air fryer at 360 degrees F for about 5 minutes.
These also keep for about 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder for added flavor.
- If you like it spicy, use chili powder instead of paprika.
- Use your favorite spice blend, like Montreal steak seasoning, Italian seasoning, or Adobo powder.
- Toss the chicken in your favorite sauce after it’s cooked and crisped. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce are tasty choices.