Air Fryer Chicken Legs (drumsticks)

Making juicy chicken legs has never been easier than with the air fryer! These Air Fryer Chicken Legs are done in less than 30 minutes and perfectly crispy and juicy!

Using the air fryer to make chicken is a no brainer! It comes out super juicy, delicious, and it's done in practically no time! Much like these Air Fryer Chicken Wings, these chicken drumsticks are juicy, easy, and super tasty! Air frying will be your go-to method for cooking chicken legs from now on!

Using the air fryer allows these legs to get super crispy without any frying. Once you try this method, you will never turn back. If I am feeling some spice, I will add this homemade buffalo sauce to the legs as well! Serve these with Air Fryer French Fries or Instant Pot Corn on the Cob for the perfect meal! Want to spice it up? Try these Air Fryer BUFFALO wings!

Making chicken legs in the Air Fryer couldn’t be easier! Let me explain it…

How to make Air Fryer Chicken Legs:

**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**

• First prep the meat but trimming off any pieces hanging off and patting them completely dry.
• Using a ziplock bag or a bowl, add oil and seasonings, mix to combine. Add the chicken legs and shake or stir to coat completely.

• Spay the air fryer basket with oil from an oil sprayer, and add the chicken legs in a single layer with some space between them.
  • Do not place the meat touching otherwise that part of the skin will not get crispy. There needs to be room for the air to circulate around the legs.

• Close the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 13 minutes. Flip the chicken over, then close and cook for 10-12 more minutes.
  • Cook-time will depend on air fryer model and size of chicken legs. Check the internal temperature for 185 degrees F.
• Remove the chicken legs from the air fryer carefully and serve.

Can I bake Chicken Legs?

Yes, however it takes much longer to get them crispy. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and place the legs on a single layer on a baking sheet (place on an oven rack on top of the baking sheet to get crispier). Bake for 40 minutes, and check the internal temperature to read 185 degrees. If not done, cook for 5-10 additional minutes.

What type of Air Fryer should I use for this recipe?

There are many Air Fryers to choose from, but I love my PowerXL Vortex Air fryer! Here are some other great options:

• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, 6 Quart: 6-in-1, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Non-stick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Stainless Steel
• COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT - Large Hot Electric Oven Oilless Cooker with 8 Quick Setting Recommendation
• GoWISE USA 7 QT Air Fryer -with Dehydrator & 3 Stackable Racks, Led Digital Touchscreen

What should I serve with Chicken Legs?

There are tons of options for side dishes to serve with this chicken! I love serving a healthier homemade Simple Wedge Salad on the side, or even better Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Here are a few more suggestions:

• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Chick-fil-A Coleslaw (copycat recipe)
• BEST EVER Salty Herbed Smashed Red Potatoes
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes (easiest method)
• Creamy Pesto Caprese Potato Salad
• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

If you like using the air fryer as much as I do, checkout these other Air Fryer ideas:

• Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are going to be your new go-to side dish. Only a handful of ingredients and only 132 calories per serving!
• Air Fryer Kale Chips are the easiest and most delicious Kale Chips! Made in just minutes and super healthy (63 calories per serving), these will be your go-to snack!
• Air Fryer Avocado Fries are creamy and crunchy without any oily mess! With only a handful of ingredients, these are the perfect healthy snack or appetizer!
• Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are perfectly crispy without any of the added oil from frying! They’re delicious, easy, and make the perfect quick meal or snack!
• Air Fryer Hot Dogs are perfectly ‘grilled’ in no time and with hardly any effort! 
• Air Fryer Hamburgers are juicy every time, and done in less than 15 minutes with none of the mess!