Air fryer chicken legs are a healthy take on a classic dinnertime favorite: fried chicken. When prepared without the skin and excess grease, this timeless indulgence can be as healthy as it is delicious.
Marinated in butter the perfect blend of savory spices and a guilt-free sweetener, this air fryer chicken checks all the flavor boxes. Ready in as little as 35 minutes total prep and cook time, with minimal cleanup, this delicious lightened-up chicken recipe is sure to be an easy go-to for dinners in your house — it certainly is in mine!
Why you should try the Air Fryer Drumstick recipe
1. Healthier Cooking: Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to deep frying, reducing calorie intake without compromising on taste and texture. The hot air circulation in the air fryer cooks the chicken legs evenly, creating crispy skin without excessive oil absorption.
2. Crispy Exterior, Juicy Interior: The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures a crispy outer layer while sealing in the chicken’s natural juices. This means you’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken legs without sacrificing tenderness.
3. Quick and Convenient: Air fryers cut down cooking time significantly. Preheating is usually minimal or unnecessary, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute cravings.
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
4 Weight Watchers points per serving
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon semi-melted butter light
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon stevia (or preferred sweetener)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions for making Air Fryer Chicken Legs
1. Seasoned Butter Blend: In a bowl, combine the semi-melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, stevia, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth, flavorful blend.
2. Coat and Marinate: Rub the seasoned butter mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating. Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for an even more intense flavor, marinate for up to two hours.
3. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (or 200°C if desired) for a few minutes. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
4. Cooking Time: Cook the chicken thighs at 180°C (or 200°C) for about 30 minutes, flipping them over at the 20-minute mark for even cooking. If using larger chicken thighs, extend the cooking time by an additional 10 minutes to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked.
5. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken thighs to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld.
Variations and substitutions
1. Explore diverse cuts like whole thighs or succulent wings, each offering a unique texture and taste.
2. Dive into an array of seasonings, ensuring the chicken is coated with a butter or oil-based marinade for that golden crunch. From aromatic rosemary to exotic curry blends, the options are endless.
3. Elevate flavors with a herbaceous touch. Experiment with warming thyme or bold oregano to create an aromatic symphony.
Tips and Tricks Section for Making Air Fryer Chicken Legs
1. Before cooking, let your chicken legs soak in a tasty marinade for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours. This adds delicious flavors and makes the meat tender and juicy.
2. For extra crunchiness, make small cuts in the chicken pieces. These help the seasoning get in deeper and create a satisfying crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer.
3. Start by preheating your air fryer. This ensures the chicken starts cooking in a hot environment right away, leading to a crispy outside and even cooking.
4. Halfway through cooking, flip the chicken legs over. This ensures that all sides get crispy and cooked evenly.
Related Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless
- 1 tablespoon semi-melted butter light
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon stevia, or preferred sweetener
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Seasoned Butter Blend: In a bowl, combine the semi-melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, stevia, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth, flavorful blend.
- Coat and Marinate: Rub the seasoned butter mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating. Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for an even more intense flavor, marinate for up to two hours.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (or 200°C if desired) for a few minutes. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded.
- Cooking Time: Cook the chicken thighs at 180°C (or 200°C) for about 30 minutes, flipping them over at the 20-minute mark for even cooking. If using larger chicken thighs, extend the cooking time by an additional 10 minutes to ensure they're thoroughly cooked.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken thighs to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
