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With an amazing lemon herb flavor, these air fryer chicken legs come out so juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Are you looking for a super easy and delicious dinner idea? Let me tell you all about making Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Legs.

Not only does cooking them in an air fryer get you that perfect crispiness, but it also makes things so much simpler and quicker!

I don’t know if there is a better way to cook juicy chicken drumsticks. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a tasty dinner but don’t have much time.

Cooking chicken in the air fryer has become my new favorite way to make dinner. Actually, I find myself using it for just about everything these days. Ha!

There is no need to wait for the oven to finish the job. These crispy air-fried chicken drumsticks will be ready before you know it.

Just mix some tasty seasonings, toss them with the chicken, and let the air fryer do its magic.

Ready to learn how to make them? Let’s get started on my version of air fryer chicken legs. Make sure to save that recipe card!

Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Crispy Fried Hot Honey Chicken Recipe, Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe, and Copycat Grilled Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders.

close up of Air Fryer Chicken Legs on a plate

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer gives you crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. Crispy chicken legs are the best!
Healthy Option: Uses less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier choice.
Flavorful: The lemon, garlic, and herbs add delicious flavor to the chicken with a really easy recipe.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Chicken drumsticks
Lemon juice and zest
Fresh parsley
Garlic cloves
Salt and ground black pepper
Dry thyme
Olive oil

ingredients needed to make Air Fryer Chicken Legs

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKEN LEGS:

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, dry thyme, pepper, salt, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Add the chicken drumsticks and toss to coat.
Let it marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge, covered.
Preheat the Air Fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer in a single layer, not touching. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
Cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping them around halfway. Before removing them from the basket, make sure the chicken is well cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Serve warm with extra lemon juice and fresh parsley on top.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

HOW TO REHEAT PROPERLY?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will not only get them warm for you, it will also make sure they are nice and crispy again.

No mushy microwave madness here! Ha!

DO I HAVE TO LET THEM MARINATE?

Marinating isn’t absolutely necessary. You’ll get good flavor from just adding the seasonings before cooking.

However, taking the extra time to marinate the chicken will have a big flavor payoff. It’s well worth the effort!

overhead image of Air Fryer Chicken Legs on a grey serving platter with lemons

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CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CUT OF CHICKEN?

Sure! I also love air fryer chicken wings, thighs, or breasts.

Heck, you could cook a whole chicken like this if you wanted to. The best recipe is the one that is versatile, right?

ANY ADDITIONS?

Feel free to combine this with your other favorite chicken leg recipes. There are plenty of options!

Sprinkle with chili powder or cayenne pepper for a kick.
Brush with bbq sauce or honey mustard in the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze.
Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Mix in onion powder or garlic powder to the seasoning mixture for more depth.
Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

You better believe it! Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas.

Use chicken breasts or wings instead of drumsticks, watching the cooking time.
Swap olive oil for avocado oil if preferred.
Try brown sugar or a bit of honey in the marinade for a sweet touch.
If you don’t have lemon, lime juice works great too.
Replace dried thyme with any of your favorite herbs or spices.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs stacked on each other on a serving platter

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Make sure your chicken legs are dry by patting them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps get the skin really crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in a single layer for the best results.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
Experiment with your favorite seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
Share your cooking on social media! Your friends will want to know about your delicious air fryer chicken legs.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs with a garnish of parsley on a plate

Air Fryer Chicken Legs are a fantastic dinner option that combines ease with deliciousness.

With just a little bit of prep and some simple ingredients, you can have a meal that’s sure to impress the whole family. From the juicy meat to the crispy skin, every bite is bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, these chicken legs will not disappoint.

So next time you’re looking for a tasty, hassle-free meal, give this recipe a try. Enjoy cooking, and more importantly, enjoy eating this scrumptious air fryer chicken legs recipe!

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

If you’ve tried these AIR FRYER CHICKEN LEGS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Lemon Herb Flavor)