This Air Fryer fried chicken recipe is my favorite way to make fried chicken legs without all the mess and extra oil! I season chicken drumsticks with a deliciously simple blend of spices, then cook them in the Air Fryer until golden and crispy. This air fried chicken recipe couldn’t be any easier, and I love that I can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Legs Recipe
I’m all for a good piece of fried chicken, but deep frying requires a little more oil than I’d like to use on a weekly basis. I love making fried chicken in my Air Fryer instead, because air-frying gives it that same crispy, flavorful skin without all the hassle and grease. Much better for my little ones too!
My simple seasoning blend with chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder gives the chicken a delicious flavor. And baking powder helps coat the chicken and make the skin crispy!
I like using chicken legs or drumsticks for this air fried recipe, but it works with other pieces too. Just use the same spice mix, coat, and air fry–you may need to adjust the cooking time though.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. To reheat, preheat your Air Fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
How to Freeze
Let Air Fryer fried chicken drumsticks cool completely, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Notes and Tips
- Don’t overcrowd your Air Fryer basket. Each piece needs space to properly cook and crisp up. So depending on the size of your fryer, you might need to do more than one batch to cook all of the pieces.
- I always pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before tossing it in the seasoning mix. This helps the spices stick to the chicken better, so that they get really crispy in the Air Fryer!
- For the juiciest air fried chicken, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. The juices will redistribute and make the chicken even more tender.
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
Top Reader Review
“This is a keeper. Smells so good when making and tastes great” – Mel
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks about 8
- 1½ tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sub. regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Pat dry drumsticks.2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with the oil, then toss with the spices and baking powder to fully coat.1½ tablespoons canola oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Transfer chicken to the Air Fryer in a single layer (cook in two batches, if needed). Air fry at 375℉ for 25-30 minutes. Flip drumsticks halfway to ensure even cooking. The drumsticks are done when they are fully cooked (internal temperature is 165℉), browned, and crispy.
Notes
How to Make Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer Step by Step
Dry the Chicken: Using a paper towel, pat dry 2 pounds of chicken legs or drumsticks.
Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, coat the chicken with 1½ tablespoons of canola oil. Then add the seasoning mix and toss to fully coat all pieces.
Fry in the Air Fryer: Place the chicken legs into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes at 375℉, turning the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when the skin is crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165℉.
I loved this recipe, turned out so nice and crisp. Family said it is a keeper!!
That sounds like a win!
Loved this recipe!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Emmett!
This is a keeper. Smells so goo when making and tastes great
Yay! I’m so glad you love this recipe, Mel!