Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Legs.’

Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, use simple ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes! 

Chicken wings in an air fryer basket.

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The air fryer cooks the chicken legs quickly, giving it crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. air fryer chicken legs are an easy and delicious recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.

Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken legs in under 30 minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or party snack. 

Why This Recipe Works

It’s quick and easy to make, and uses less oil than then my Crispy Fried Chicken legs. They’re also kid-friendly and affordable and perfect for weeknight dinners the whole family will love served with your favorite sides like  Southern Potato Salad, Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges

This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight like these Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers. You may also enjoy these Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs.

Ingredients needed

  • Chicken: You can also use small chicken thighs or chicken wings.
  • Olive oil: Helps the seasoning blend to stick.
  • Paprika: I like to use smoked paprika but regular will also work.
  • Onion powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor.
  • Garlic powder: Adds mild garlic flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Either light or dark is fine.
  • Cayenne pepper: Can adjust for taste or leave it out all together.
  • Italian seasoning:
  • Parsley: Totally optional.

How to make sweet and spicy chicken legs

  • Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian
  • seasoning, cayenne, salt, and black pepper
  • Step 2: Place the chicken legs in a large bowl or large ziplock bag and toss with the seasoning mixture and place in the refrigerator to marinate.
  • Step 3: Place chicken drumsticks in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Step 4: Air fry the chicken pieces until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket.
  • Try my homemade Tex-Mex Seasoning on the chicken legs.
  • Let the drumsticks come to room temperature for 15 minutes to cook more evenly.
  • All air fryers are slightly different and the cooking time may change. Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken legs reach 165 degrees. 
Air fried chicken legs dipped in yum yum sauce.

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