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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

Juicy bone-in chicken drumsticks are coated in a savory paprika seasoning and air-fried until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender. This easy recipe serves four and takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 8 drumsticks, about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total Bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil or avocado oil
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika, smoked or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pat eight chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. Coat them with one tablespoon of oil, then rub evenly with the mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F or 400°F, depending on your appliance. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer with space between the pieces.
  3. Air-fry at 380°F for about 22 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, or air-fry at 400°F for about 20 to 22 minutes. Continue cooking until the thickest part reaches at least 165°F, checking without touching the bone.
  4. For especially tender, well-rendered dark meat, cook the drumsticks to approximately 175°F to 185°F. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry the chicken very well before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if needed. Smoked paprika may be used in place of sweet paprika.