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+ servings

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Deliciously crispy chicken legs cooked to perfection in an air fryer, seasoned with a blend of spices for a flavorful and juicy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Chicken Legs
  • 4 pieces chicken legs skin-on, bone-in for best flavor
Marinade
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a savory base
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds depth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or your favorite herb
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed for brightness

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a marinade.
  3. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Air Fry the Chicken
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
  2. Place the marinated chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
  3. Cook the chicken legs at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 28gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 300mgVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For extra crispy skin, you can spray the chicken legs lightly with cooking spray before air frying. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.

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