With just a simple rub of basic seasonings, these chicken legs are infused with our favorite bold flavors. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. All you need is an air fryer, chicken legs, and the seasoning of your choice.
For more easy air fryer recipes, try our Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders.
Why Our Recipe
- No marinade or brine, so you get super juicy chicken in only 35 minutes in the air fryer!
- Use our simple, flavorful seasoning blend or experiment with some of our other options.
For those of you who want to play around with different flavors, we’re including variations like Cajun-spiced, Zesty Tex-Mex, and Flavors of India—your taste buds will never get bored! You never have to settle for bland and dry chicken ever again!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: This recipe uses drumsticks. You can also use the seasonings with bone-in chicken thighs, boneless thighs, or breasts.
- Cooking Oil/Melted Butter: Optional, used for extra crispy skin. You can use any neutral cooking oil, like avocado or vegetable oil, instead of olive oil, as well.
- Herbs and Spices: Our blend of paprika, garlic and onion powder, dried oregano, basil, salt and black pepper is a great all purpose seasoning option.
Spritzing Oil
If you are using a variation that does not contain citrus juice, it’s recommended to lightly spritz the drumsticks with cooking oil or melted butter to help them crisp up. But if you are using a variation that contains citrus juice there’s no need to do it.
Use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or a quality cooking spray.
When it comes to applying oil, a light spritz with an oil mister or a brush is all you need. You’re aiming to lightly coat the surface of the food, not soak it. This minimal application helps enhance the texture without adding excessive fat.
Air Fryer Tips
Use a Liner: Cleaning up is a breeze if you use air fryer parchment liners. Less scrubbing, more enjoying. Just be sure to use liners designed for the air fryer so that it has the little holes that allow for air flow.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food some breathing room in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer isn’t huge, cook in batches—it’s worth it for those perfectly golden results. And don’t forget to toss or shake everything halfway through so it all cooks nice and evenly.
Keep an Eye on Things: Air fryers work fast, and nobody wants overcooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer if you can (to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F) and check on things toward the end so you nail that perfect doneness.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Microwave on high in 30-second increments, until warmed through.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F. Place the chicken in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warm.
*If you have any leftover seasoning rub, it can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
