There's something magical about how the air fryer makes chicken come out golden and crispy with barely any effort. These air fryer chicken legs are the kind of weeknight dinner that saves me when I don't want to fuss but still want something really good on the table.
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I've made these drumsticks countless times for my family, and honestly, they never last more than a few minutes once they hit the table. The seasoning is simple-paprika, garlic, oregano-but together they give the chicken that "tastes like it came from a restaurant" vibe without all the grease.
If you're in the mood for another easy air fryer idea, you might also like Air fryer salmon bites that cook in under 10 minutes and pair perfectly with rice bowls.
Ingredients you'll need
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ($0.10)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder ($0.05)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder ($0.03)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano ($0.05)
- ½ teaspoon salt ($0.02)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ($0.05)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional ($0.02)
- 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks, about 5-6 pieces ($4.91)
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil ($0.33)
Step-by-step instructions
Season the chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the top and use your hands (or tongs if you don't want messy fingers) to coat the chicken evenly.
Air fry until crispy
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure none of them overlap-this helps them crisp up.
Cook for 12 minutes. Flip each drumstick over and cook another 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
Serve and enjoy
Serve hot right out of the basket with your favorite sides. These are especially good with roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Top tips for success
- Don't skip drying the chicken first. A quick pat with paper towels helps the seasoning stick and gives you crispier skin.
- Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but I find drumsticks are juicier and more tender closer to 175°F.
- Make it your own. Try swapping oregano for thyme, or go smoky with extra paprika.
Storage and reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 minutes to get that crispy skin back.
- Avoid the microwave unless you don't mind softer skin.
What to serve with air fryer chicken legs
Pair these drumsticks with quick sides to round out dinner:
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Crispy air fryer sweet potato fries
- A simple quinoa salad with lemon and herbs
FAQs about air fryer chicken legs
About 22 minutes total-12 minutes on one side, 10 minutes on the other.
Yes, but they'll need more time. Add at least 10 extra minutes and check that they reach 165°F inside.
A little bit helps with crispiness. I use olive oil, but avocado oil works too.
Don't overcook, and make sure to flip halfway through. A quick rest after cooking (just 3 minutes) keeps the juices in.
Recipes you may like
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
These air fryer chicken legs come out golden, crispy, and packed with flavor thanks to a simple seasoning mix of paprika, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks, about 5–6 pieces
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400ºF.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well.
- Sprinkle seasoning mix over chicken and coat evenly.
- Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12 minutes. Flip and cook another 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 175°F.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin. Use a meat thermometer—165°F is safe, but 175°F makes drumsticks juicier. Swap oregano for thyme or add extra paprika for more smokiness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 drumstickAmount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3.5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 310mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 20g
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