Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Chicken leg quarters are one of the best bargains at the store, and this air fryer recipe turns them into something special with minimal effort. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have chicken with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

Using the air fryer means you can skip the oven and keep the kitchen cool, while still getting that crave-worthy roasted texture and savory flavor. The simple seasoning blend brings out the best in the chicken, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or spices. Serve these chicken legs with a side of roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Notes

• Parsley: For a fresh garnish, if you like.
• Chicken leg quarters: Look for meaty quarters with the skin on for best results.
• Paprika: Use sweet paprika for classic flavor or smoked paprika for a little extra depth.
• Cayenne: Optional, but adds a subtle kick—adjust to taste.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.

Steps to Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs

1. Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Arrange the legs in your air fryer basket, skin side up.
3. Cook until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, flipping halfway.
4. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Switch up the spices. Try lemon pepper, Cajun, or Italian seasoning for a different twist.
• Use drumsticks or thighs. The method works for any bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces—just adjust cook time.
• Add a little heat. Sprinkle extra cayenne or serve with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Try a BBQ version. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with cornbread or garlic bread for extra comfort.
• Add a tangy slaw or pickled vegetables for brightness.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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These air fryer chicken leg quarters are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor.

• Author: Diana Rattray
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Air Fryler
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 chicken leg quarters
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep the chicken legs. Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil. Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Rub the mixture over the chicken legs.
2. Air fry the chicken. Follow the instructions for your air fryer and preheat it if required. Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and cook at 375 F for 12 minutes. Flip them over and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the are crisp and browned. Look for an internal temperature of at least 175°F to 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Serve. Transfer the chicken legs to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 223
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 1313.2 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g
• Protein: 25.8 g