Air Fryer Chicken Legs

About This Recipe

Air fryer chicken legs cook up crispy on the outside and juicy inside, making an easy, flavorful dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 8 to 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs/drumsticks ((about 2 1/4 pounds))
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (or serving)

Instructions

1. With paper towels, pat the chicken legs dry, and place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the oil.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, mustard, and cayenne. Sprinkle over the chicken, then toss to evenly coat.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Arrange a single layer of the drumsticks in the basket.
4. Air fry chicken legs for 10 minutes, then slide out the basket and flip the legs. Return to the air fryer and cook for 8 additional minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F when a meat thermometer is inserted at the thickest part without touching the bone (I remove mine around 190 degrees F and it is still very juicy. The extra time ensures the skin is nice and crisp). Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped cilantro or parsley as desired.