Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs make for an easy weeknight dinner or game day snack. Learn how long to cook chicken legs in air fryer, plus tips for creating a mouthwatering marinade with just 4 simple ingredients! This recipe makes the perfect crispy chicken legs!
The best part about making this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe is that it’s full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Air frying this easy dinner recipe is the easiest way to get crispy drumsticks with minimal effort.
My whole family loves this easy chicken recipe because the cooked chicken is delicious and pairs perfectly with just about any side dish.
I’ve made sweet potato fries, potato salad, french fries, tater tots, and more.
Easy recipes like this can also be enjoyed in your favorite way. Cover with BBQ sauce, or dip these air fryer drumsticks in honey mustard. I
‘ll even change up the blend of seasonings that I add to these air fry chicken legs to have a different type of flavorful skin. This recipe is just so simple!
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Making chicken legs in the air fryer is not only quick and easy, but you get perfectly crispy skin every time.
Plus, skipping the oven keeps your kitchen cool during the hotter months!
In just two easy steps, you’ll have tender, juicy meat with plenty of kick! Be sure to start early enough to allow time for the drumsticks to sit in the refrigerator.
Serve up air fried chicken legs with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and a simple green salad or veggie sticks to round out your plate.
Love the buffalo flavor in this recipe? Enjoy it in a variety of ways, from pasta salad and party dip to sandwiches and meatballs!
Ingredient Notes and Suggestions
- Chicken – Drumsticks are one of the cheapest cuts you can find, so I especially love to stock up when they’re on sale!
Be sure to pat each piece dry with paper towels, especially if you thawed them from frozen. It really helps the meat absorb all that buffalo flavor! - Hot Sauce – I like to use Frank’s in all of my recipes, but you can easily use whichever brand is your favorite.
Check the label for the list of ingredients — if vinegar is one of the first ones listed, you may want to reduce the amount in this air fryer chicken legs recipe so the flavor isn’t too overpowering. - Garlic Powder – This makes everything taste better, and it won’t burn on the surface of the air fryer chicken legs like minced cloves would.
How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
It takes about 25 minutes at 400°F to cook six chicken legs in the air fryer — as long as your model is large enough to accommodate that many.
Smaller amounts may be ready in less time. Your best option is to check the internal temperature with a digital meat thermometer.
All poultry is considered safe to eat when it reaches 165°F at the center.
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat without hitting the bone (which will give you an inaccurate temperature).
Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken Legs
- Customize the sauce.
If you want to crank up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
For extra saucy air fryer chicken legs, double the ingredients.
Use half of the sauce for the marinade, then use the other half to toss with the drumsticks after they have been cooked.
- Get crispier results.
Don’t try to cook too many chicken legs in the air fryer at one time. There should be space between each so the hot air can properly circulate.
You’ll also want to flip air fried chicken legs about halfway through cooking so they crisp evenly on all sides.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe FAQ
Any type of poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety reasons. Feel free to use a digital meat thermometer to be sure, but you can also check for doneness by cutting into the air fryer chicken legs.
Slice into the meat, about halfway to the bone, and gently separate the two sides. The poultry should no longer be pink or translucent, and the juices should run clear.
If it doesn’t appear done, pop the drumsticks back in for a few more minutes.
Absolutely! The cooking time will be different, so check out this post for tips and instructions.
If you need a big batch to feed a crowd, I would recommend using my crock pot recipe instead. It uses honey to create a sweet and sticky glaze, but there’s still plenty of heat to tantalize your taste buds!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 chicken legs
Instructions
- In a large Ziploc bag, combine the buffalo sauce, butter, vinegar, and garlic powder. Close the bag and shake until all the ingredients get incorporated.
- Add the chicken legs into a Ziploc bag and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to marinate.
- Place the chicken legs into the basket of the air fryer, save the remaining marinade for later. Set the air fryer to 400° for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
- If you wish to brush the chicken with the remaining marinade, simply transfer it to a pot over medium-high heat and boil until the marinade is reduced (thickened).
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published May 2021, updated and republished August 2024
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
i lover it
These were awesome, though they took a while to prep they were well worth it.
Could this marinade be used for chicken fingers as is?
Hi Tina!
It should be good on just chicken fingers! Hope this helps.
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn