Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken legs coated with a savory spice blend and brown sugar for a perfect balance of sweet and smoky. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe yields juicy chicken with a deliciously crisp skin, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken legs
Spice Mix
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Other
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or substitute with olive or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin during cooking.
- Make the Spice Mix: In a large zip-top bag, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Seal the bag and shake it well to mix all the spices evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Add the chicken legs to the spice mix bag, pour in the vegetable oil, and shake again until all the chicken legs are evenly coated with the spice blend and oil.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Check that the internal temperature reaches between 165°F and 185°F to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Turning the chicken halfway through cooking helps with even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.
- Olive or avocado oil can be substituted for vegetable oil for a healthier fat option.
