Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with the most mouth-watering, crispy, and flavor-packed chicken legs you've ever tasted! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden-brown chicken leg that's bursting with zesty lemon and garlic flavors, with a crisp exterior and juicy interior that'll make your taste buds dance. This Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to prepare – no culinary expertise required!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken legs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy skin when cooked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken legs to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each leg is thoroughly coated by turning them over and using your hands to rub the marinade into the skin and meat. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, consider marinating for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between each leg for proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken legs in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
- Serve the air fryer chicken legs hot, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs!
Tips
- Dry Chicken is Crispy Chicken: Always pat your chicken legs completely dry before marinating. This crucial step ensures the skin gets beautifully crisp and golden.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While the recipe works great with a quick 10-minute marinade, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for 2 hours can intensify the lemon and garlic flavors.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure there's space between each chicken leg in the air fryer. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and can result in uneven cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to make the recipe your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 313kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 29g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
