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Crispy-Skin Chicken Legs Air-Fryer Recipe

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3.9 from 84 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 37–40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Crispy-Skin Chicken Legs Air-Fryer are perfectly seasoned drumsticks that deliver irresistibly crispy skin while remaining juicy on the inside. Utilizing a simple blend of pantry spices and air frying techniques, this recipe offers a quick, easy, and delicious main course perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Chicken Legs

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2½–3 lbs), skin on
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning Mix

  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken drumsticks; this step is crucial to help the skin become crispy during cooking.
  2. Coat with Oil: Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil until each piece is evenly coated, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
  3. Make Seasoning Mix: In a separate small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using) to create a flavorful spice mix.
  4. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oil-coated drumsticks and rub them well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice blend.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  6. Arrange Drumsticks: Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between pieces for air circulation; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air Fry First Side: Cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes at 400°F, allowing the skin to begin crisping up.
  8. Flip Chicken: Turn each drumstick over to promote even cooking and crisping on all sides.
  9. Continue Air Frying: Cook for an additional 12–15 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Optional Extra Crisp: For even crispier skin, air fry for another 2–3 minutes as desired.
  11. Rest: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry is the key to achieving crispy skin.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the drumsticks and your air fryer model.
  • Serve with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/crispy-skin-chicken-legs-air-fryer-recipe/