Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe
If you want to learn how to cook perfectly Crispy Chicken Legs in Your Air Fryer for a delicious weeknight dinner, you are at the right place!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken leg quarters
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Begin by drying the chicken leg quarters with paper towels. This step enhances the crispiness of the skin. It's crucial to note that washing chicken pieces is not recommended, as doing so can potentially spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella around your kitchen rather than eliminating them.
- Combine salt, black pepper, paprika, olive oil, and thyme in a small bowl. Apply the seasoning mixture to each chicken leg quarter, ensuring even coating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) if it includes a preheating option in the model.
- Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and achieve extra crispy skin.
- Air fry the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes until it reaches doneness and achieves crispy skin. Flip the chicken over halfway through the cooking process, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps in retaining the juices.
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer before placing the chicken quarters. Preheating helps cook the chicken evenly and achieve a crispy skin.
- Before marinating, dry the chicken leg quarters with paper towels to remove excess moisture and to help the skin crisp up.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken leg quarters in a single layer.
- Cooking time can vary with different air fryer models. To make sure the chicken is cooked right, use a meat thermometer. The inside should be 165°F (75°C).
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to achieve even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, making the meat moist and tender.
- To prevent smoke and maintain efficiency, clean your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking fatty foods like chicken skin.