Air Fryer Fried Chicken Legs
Everyone loves comfort food like fried chicken legs. Air fryers produce crispy food without the oil and mess of traditional frying. Learn how to air fry juicy, flavourful, and crispy chicken legs with this detailed recipe. These chicken legs are a hit at family dinners, picnics, and other events.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 big egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko or ordinary breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional heat)
- Oil or spray cooking
Instructions
First, marinate chicken legs
- Mix buttermilk and egg in a large bowl to make marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Submerge chicken legs in buttermilk in the bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight for optimal results.
Step 2: Make Breading
- In a large basin, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Prepare a breading station with marinated chicken legs, a bowl of dry ingredients, and a plate or baking sheet for the breaded chicken.
Step 3: Bread Chicken Legs
- Coat Chicken: Drain each chicken leg of buttermilk. Press the chicken leg gently into the flour mixture to coat evenly. Repeat with all chicken legs.
- Set Aside: Rest the breaded chicken legs on the plate or baking sheet for 10 minutes. This improves coating adhesion.
Fourth, preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Heat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Cook Chicken Legs
- Arrange in Basket: Lightly spray or oil the air fryer basket. Put the chicken legs in a single layer in the basket, not touching. Maybe cook them in batches.
- Air-fry: Lightly oil the chicken leg tops. Turn the chicken legs halfway through air-frying at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve Chicken Legs
- Once done, remove chicken legs from air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot crispy air fryer fried chicken legs with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Chicken Legs
- To help the marinade stick, blot the chicken legs dry with paper towels before marinating.
- For a consistent crispy texture, coat the chicken legs equally with flour.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook chicken legs in batches for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- To guarantee full cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken legs’ internal temperature.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Chicken: Heat up the buttermilk marinade with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- To make herb-crusted chicken, add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture.
- For a delicious, crunchy crust, include grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture.
Serving Ideas
- Serving Ideas: Serve chicken legs with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.
- For a balanced supper, serve with a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
Why This Recipe Works
- Air frying chicken legs makes them crispy and healthier by using less oil. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes and flavors the chicken, while the seasoned flour mixture makes a crispy coating. This procedure is simple, clean, and dependably effective.
One last thought
- With this precise recipe, making Air Fryer Fried Chicken Legs for the first time is easy. Crispy, juicy, and flavourful results will impress family and friends. Air fryer and fried chicken fans must try these fried chicken legs for any occasion. Enjoy!