Best Barbecue Sauce

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★★★★☆

Crispy golden brown air fryer chicken legs served on a white plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Course: Dinner
Servings: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal (per serving)

This air fryer chicken legs dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken without deep frying. It’s perfect for a fast dinner and pairs well with your favorite sauces and sides.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme in a small bowl.
3. Pat dry chicken legs with paper towels.
4. Brush chicken with olive oil on all sides.
5. Rub spice mixture evenly onto chicken.
6. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching.
7. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Check internal temp; should be 165°F (74°C).
9. Let rest a few minutes, then serve hot.
10. Pair with sides or dipping sauces like Best Barbecue Sauce or ranch.

Serving Suggestion

• Barbecue Sauce
• Mustard Sauce
• Dill Sauce
• Tomato Sauce
• Jalapeno Sauce
• Kimchi Sauce
• Bearnaise Sauce
• Homemade Cheese Sauce

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280–300
• Fat: 18–20 g
• Protein: 25–30 g
• Carbohydrates: Less than 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: 600–800 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long to cook chicken legs in air fryer?
   Preheat to 400°F (200°C), cook 25–30 min flipping halfway. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I use boneless chicken instead?
   Yes, but reduce cook time since boneless cooks faster.
3. Can I marinate the chicken?
   Absolutely. Marinate for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor.
4. Can I use different spices?
   Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite spices.
5. How do I know if chicken is fully cooked?
   Use a thermometer; internal temp should be 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I use frozen chicken legs?
   Thaw first for even cooking, or increase cooking time if using frozen.
7. What dipping sauces go well?
   Try BBQ, ranch, mustard, hot sauce, or kimchi sauce.
8. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
   Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes in a preheated oven.
9. How to make them even crispier?
   Coat with a light layer of breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.
10. Can I use skinless chicken legs?
    Yes, but they may be less crispy and juicy without skin.
11. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
12. Can I use other cuts like drumsticks or thighs?
    Yes. Adjust cook time based on size and thickness.
13. Can I cook vegetables alongside?
    Sure! Add carrots, potatoes, or sprouts in a separate layer if space allows.
14. Can I prepare in advance and reheat?
    Yes. Store in fridge and reheat in air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy.

Tags: air fryer, chicken, crispy chicken, dinner, healthy, low carb, gluten free, quick dinner, easy meal, high protein