Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub
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Air Fryer Chicken Legs are the dinner solution you didn’t know you were missing! Super affordable and easy to prepare, these dry rub chicken legs are so incredibly juicy and delicious. Get an easy home cooked meal on the table in just 20 minutes. Give it a try and see why this air fryer recipe should be part of your regular meal rotation.
I have never been a huge fan of chicken skin unless it was fried chicken or crispy chicken wings. I like crispy skin and getting that with chicken baked in the oven while still keeping the meat nice and juicy is tough to achieve. But with the air fryer, it is so easy to create juicy, flavorful chicken in no time with the crispy skin I crave!
You really can’t believe how quick and easy it is to make amazing chicken in the air fryer until you try it. Have ground chicken? Try these air fryer chicken meatballs which feature a golden crust without frying and little cleanup. So easy! Have chicken thighs? Try these bbq boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer which also feature a dry rub. Delicious!
Chicken Legs Ingredients
Only basic pantry ingredients are required to make this chicken legs recipe. They include:
- chicken legs
- olive oil
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
These ingredients make this recipe naturally Whole30 and Paleo compliant. If you like a smoky flavor you could try using smoked paprika or if you like a sweeter dry rub, you could add in a tablespoon of brown sugar. But this simple recipe is what my family likes best for a dry rub. Dry rub seasonings are so versatile like in this Carne Asada Seasoning which can be used as a dry rub or turned into a marinade.
How to Cook Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your chicken legs and all ingredients in the large bowl and toss to coat. Alternatively you can use a gallon sized ziploc and shake instead. For the most even spice distribution you can combine all of your spices in a small bowl first first before sprinkling over your chicken. It is up to you if you want to do this extra step!
Chicken legs baked in the oven take 35 to 45 minutes while chicken legs in the air fryer will only set you back around 20 minutes. Only downside is if you have a smaller air fryer you may have to cook it in batches depending upon the size of your family. I used my smaller air fryer and since I had extra large drumsticks they couldn’t all fit. It is really important when air frying that you don’t over pack your basket for the best air flow.
How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer
You’ll want to cook for 17 to 18 minutes, until internal temperature is 165 degrees without hitting the bone. Be sure to turn over halfway through cooking. (I did at the 10 minute mark) Exact cooking time will depend upon the size of your drumsticks, your air fryer, and how many chicken legs you cook together. The tighter they are together, the longer they can take to cook.
Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer Video
Here is a quick step-by-step video for how to make chicken legs in the the air fryer!
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken legs (6 to 8 depending on size)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Pat chicken legs dry with paper towel. In a large bowl or gallon sized ziploc bag, pour olive oil and seasonings over chicken and toss or shake to evenly coat.
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Place chicken legs in a single layer in air fryer basket or tray. Do not over pack. Cook for 10 minutes. Turn chicken legs over and cook additional 7 to 8 minutes or until 165 degrees F internal temperature, not touching the bone.
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Let the chicken rest a couple of minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
May need to cook in batches depending upon size of air fryer and chicken legs.
This recipe was designed for 6 extra large chicken legs. Can easily do 8 smaller chicken legs.
Oven Instructions:
To bake these chicken drumsticks in the oven, follow all of the same steps except place chicken legs on a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easier cleanup). Can place baking race over the sheet to allow more air circulation and more even cooking, if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 35 to 40 minutes, turning chicken legs halfway through. Use a meat thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone. For crispier skin, you can broil for a couple of minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
That is all to making this easy chicken leg dinner! These chicken legs cooked in the air fryer are so cheap and easy to make, it is no wonder they are a new family favorite. My husband and kids rave about this chicken and really can’t get enough.
Air Fryer Dinner Recipes:
If you are looking for more air fryer dinner recipes, here are some more great ideas:
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Air Fryer Brats
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
These look delicious and so easy to prepare with ingredients I always have in the pantry. Thanks for sharing the recipe!