Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

4.68 from 55 votes

Make the most delicious fried chicken in your Air Fryer! So simple and easy, air-fried chicken legs come out perfectly crispy and juicy in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 296kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 pounds bone in, skin on chicken drumsticks or legs, about 8*
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sub. regular paprika**
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon baking powder
1½ tablespoons canola oil

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Pat the legs dry with paper towels.
2 pounds bone in, skin on chicken drumsticks
Mix the seasonings and baking powder in a bowl.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon baking powder
In a large bowl, toss the chicken legs with the oil, then toss with the spices and baking powder to fully coat.
1½ tablespoons canola oil
Transfer chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between.
Air fry for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Video

Notes

*I used drumsticks, but whole legs and other cuts also work great with this method!

**This is my go-to seasoning blend. Feel free to use your favorite seasonings (lemon pepper, Cajun, Italian, etc.); just don't forget the baking powder (it helps make the skin nice and crispy!)

Tips:

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help everything stick.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Work in batches if needed.
Flip the drumsticks halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so check your chicken around the 20-minute mark the first time you make it.
If your drumsticks vary in size, check the smallest 5 minutes early and the largest 5 minutes later.
Check the temperature by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
The drumsticks are done when they are fully cooked (internal temperature is 165℉), browned, and crispy.
For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the final 5 minutes.
Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.
Reheat in a 375°F air fryer for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Storage:Store air fryer fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days, or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition