As a nutritionist, I always recommend cooking chicken legs in the air fryer at 400°F (about 200°C) for 22-24 minutes. From my own experience, turning the legs halfway through ensures even crispiness. It is important to preheat the air fryer for the best results.
How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in Air Fryer?
| Type of Chicken Legs | Temperature | Cooking Time | Tips |
| Chicken drumsticks (fresh) | 375°F (190°C) | 22–25 minutes | Flip at the 12-minute mark for even cooking. |
| Chicken drumsticks (frozen) | 375°F (190°C) | 28–30 minutes | Flip at the 12-15-minute mark and check for doneness. |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 375°F (190°C) | 25–30 minutes | Flip at the 12-15-minute mark for crispiness. |
| Chicken quarters (leg + thigh) | 375°F (190°C) | 30–35 minutes | Flip at the 15-17-minute mark and ensure even browning. |
| Chicken legs with marinade | 375°F (190°C) | 23–27 minutes | Lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. |
Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 3–5 minutes if you prefer extra-crispy skin.
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How to Season Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
To season the drumsticks, use my all-purpose chicken seasoning listed in the recipe below. It includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. I find that smoked paprika is a key ingredient in the best chicken recipes. It gives my baked chicken thighs a bright colour and a sweet, smoky flavour.
Nutritionist Tips
- Remove the skin from the chicken drumsticks before cooking to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Serve the chicken drumsticks with a large portion of fresh or steamed vegetables to enrich the dish with vitamins and fibre.
- When serving, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as coriander, dill, or parsley to add vitamins and minerals.
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Recipe Tips
- Preheat the air fryer. This will ensure the best crispiness for the chicken drumsticks.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before adding it to the bowl. This removes excess moisture and allows the seasoning to stick better.
- Always turn the chicken halfway through cooking to achieve even crispiness.
- Check the chicken a few minutes before the cooking time ends to ensure it’s not overcooked. Each air fryer varies in cooking time.
- According to USDA’s recommended cooking temperatures, the safe internal temperature for cooking all poultry products is 165°F (74°C). This is the internal temperature that the meat should reach after removing it from the air fryer. You can use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to measure the temperature.
How to Store Leftovers
Reheating – Add the chicken back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and cook for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Turn the drumsticks halfway through the time.
Cooling – Once cooled, leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container or the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
