how long to cook chicken legs in air fryer

Are you craving juicy, crispy chicken thighs but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! With an air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked chicken thighs in no time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how long it takes to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer, along with some tips for ensuring crispy, delicious roasts every time.

To cook chicken thighs in the air fryer:

Timing is key when it comes to cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer. Follow these easy steps for perfectly crispy chicken thighs:

1. Preheat the air fryer: It is very important to preheat the air fryer before cooking. This ensures that the drumsticks are heated evenly and achieve the desired crispy finish. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 400°F or 200°C) and preheat for a few minutes.

2. Prepare the drumsticks: First pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season with your favorite spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor. Chicken legs can also be marinated for a more intense flavor.

3. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket: Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. This circulates hot air around the legs, ensuring even cooking.

4. Set the cooking time: The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in the air fryer varies according to the size and thickness of the chicken drumsticks. Generally, chicken thighs are cooked for about 20-25 minutes. However, it is crucial to check for doneness to avoid undercooking or overcooking. Using a meat thermometer, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The secret to perfect crispy chicken thighs:

1. Lightly coat with oil: To achieve a crispy texture without excess oil, chicken thighs can be lightly coated with cooking spray or brushed lightly with oil. This helps promote browning and crispiness.

2. Shake the basket: Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and shake the basket. This step ensures that the drumsticks are evenly cooked and crispy on all sides.

3. Experiment with different flavors: While a simple salt and pepper seasoning is delicious, feel free to experiment with spices, herbs, and even sauces. Explore flavors like BBQ, Honey Mustard, Teriyaki, or Lemongrass to elevate your drumstick experience.

Cooking chicken thighs is a breeze thanks to the convenience of an air fryer. By following the recommended cooking times and temperatures, and incorporating a few helpful tips, you can achieve an irresistibly crispy crust while keeping the meat moist and juicy. So, next time you’re craving chicken thighs, fire up the air fryer and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy goodness and salty flavor!