Cooking chicken legs in the air fryer is a game-changer! They turn out juicy on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior—all in less time than the oven. Whether you’re craving bold BBQ flavors, zesty honey garlic, or a healthy, guilt-free option, these 10 best air fryer chicken leg recipes have you covered. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or satisfying your crispy chicken cravings without the deep fryer! With new techniques to achieve crispy skin and deep flavor, these recipes will become your go-to favorites.
Table of Contents
1. Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsThese chicken legs are seasoned with a simple yet flavorful blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then air-fried to crispy perfection.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- In a bowl, coat the chicken legs with olive oil and seasonings.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
2. BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
4
servingsSweet, smoky, and saucy, these BBQ chicken legs are brushed with a delicious glaze for the perfect bite.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup BBQ sauce
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss chicken legs with olive oil, salt, and spices.
- Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping once.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
3. Honey Garlic Air Fryer Drumsticks
Honey Garlic Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Coat chicken legs with olive oil and dry seasonings.
- Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, heat honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a saucepan until thickened.
- Brush chicken legs with glaze and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
4. Healthy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Healthy Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Rub the chicken legs with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
5. Fried-Style Air Fryer Drumsticks
Fried-Style Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions
- Soak chicken legs in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour and seasonings.
- Coat each chicken leg in the flour mixture.
- Spray with oil and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve hot!
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
6. Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Drumsticks
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Toss chicken legs with olive oil, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Arrange in a single layer and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
7. Spicy Buffalo Air Fryer Drumsticks
Spicy Buffalo Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsIf you’re craving crispy, spicy, and downright addictive drumsticks, these Spicy Buffalo Air Fryer Drumsticks will hit the spot. They’re perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a bold, buttery Buffalo sauce. Whether you’re making them for a game day snack or a weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 large chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is recommended)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for subtle sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Directions
- Preheat Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Drumsticks: Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss the drumsticks in the mixture until fully coated.
- Cook the Drumsticks: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the drumsticks are cooking, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Coat and Serve: Once the drumsticks are done, toss them in the Buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with your favorite dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy with celery sticks.
Notes
- Optional Sweetness and Heat: Adjust honey and cayenne pepper quantities to suit your preferred flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: These drumsticks make a great appetizer or main dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
8. Teriyaki Air Fryer Drumsticks
Teriyaki Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsThese Teriyaki Air Fryer Drumsticks are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. The air fryer makes them irresistibly crispy, while the homemade teriyaki glaze adds a deep, caramelized flavor. Serve them with rice and steamed veggies for an easy, delicious dinner!
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 large chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
1 tablespoon green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the drumsticks dry, then toss them in olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the drumsticks cook, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Once the mixture simmers, add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Once the drumsticks are done, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until fully coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
9. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Drumsticks
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsThese Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Drumsticks are golden brown, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day snack, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort—just how we like it!
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 large chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to ensure crispiness. In a bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Coat and Serve: Once the drumsticks are cooked, toss them immediately in the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top while they’re still hot, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy: Serve the drumsticks hot as a delicious, crispy, and garlicky snack or main dish.
Equipment
Air Fryer 5 QtAir Fryer 5 Qt
Notes
- These drumsticks are perfect on their own, but they’re next-level when paired with a simple salad or roasted veggies.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
10. Cajun Air Fryer Drumsticks
Cajun Air Fryer Drumsticks
4
servingsKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 chicken legs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Coat chicken legs with olive oil and seasonings.
- Arrange in a single layer and cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or cornbread.
Like this recipe?
Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest
These new air fryer chicken drumsticks recipes prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken! Whether you prefer classic crispy skin, saucy BBQ, or a healthy twist, there’s something here for everyone. Which recipe are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below!