Best 2 Air Fry Whole Chicken Legs Recipes

Crispy, juicy, and flavorful, air fryer whole chicken legs are a delectable dish that combines convenience with culinary expertise. Prepared using an air fryer, this cooking method results in a healthier alternative to traditional frying techniques, reducing fat content while maintaining the lip-smacking taste. Our collection of recipes offers a diverse range of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. From a classic herb-roasted chicken leg to a tangy lemon pepper variation, and even an exotic peri-peri chicken leg inspired by African cuisine, our recipes cater to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a simple yet satisfying meal or an explosion of flavors, our air fryer whole chicken leg recipes have got you covered. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AIR-FRYER CHICKEN LEGS

Air-Fryer Chicken Legs image

For years, I tried to find the perfect bottled barbecue sauce for chicken legs. After a few years, I threw in the towel and created my own using ketchup, honey and spicy brown mustard. It works perfectly with this air-fryer chicken legs recipe. -Kathleen Criddle, Lake Worth, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup
2/3 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
16 chicken drumsticks

Steps:

In a large saucepan, mix the first 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend, stirring occasionally. Reserve 2 cups sauce for serving., Preheat air fryer to 375°. In batches, place chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until a thermometer reads 170°-175°, 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing generously with remaining sauce during the last 5 minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 95mg cholesterol, Sodium 909mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (48g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 29g protein.

AIR-FRYER WHOLE CHICKEN

Air-Fryer Whole Chicken image

This air-fryer whole chicken is so crispy yet succulent. I serve it straight up, but you can also shred it and add it to tacos, soups, pasta salads and so much more. -Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons seasoned salt

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 350°. Brush outside of chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Place chicken, breast side down, on tray in air-fryer basket; cook 30 minutes. Flip chicken and cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, 35-40 minutes longer. Remove chicken; let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 19g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 596mg sodium, Carbohydrate 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 33g protein.

Tips:

Select Plump and Fresh Chicken Legs: Choose chicken legs that are plump, meaty, and have a healthy pink color. Avoid any legs that appear bruised or have an off odor.
Properly Clean and Pat Dry: Before cooking, rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures even cooking.
Generously Season the Chicken: Don't shy away from seasoning the chicken legs liberally. Use a combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add a marinade or rub for extra flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the chicken legs. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly throughout.
Cook in Batches: If cooking a large batch of chicken legs, cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
Flip the Chicken Halfway Through Cooking: About halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken legs to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
Check Internal Temperature: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Conclusion:

Air frying whole chicken legs is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this versatile cut of meat. By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful chicken legs that are sure to please everyone at the table. The air fryer's ability to cook food with little to no oil makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, without sacrificing any of the taste. So, embrace the convenience and health benefits of air frying and enjoy this delightful dish whenever you crave some juicy and satisfying chicken legs. Happy cooking!