Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Simply season the chicken, coat it in BBQ sauce, and cook in the air fryer for a tender and juicy meal. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snack!

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs are the perfect combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and smoky BBQ flavor!

With the air fryer’s magic, you can achieve that perfect golden-brown crisp without the hassle of grilling or deep frying. The barbecue sauce adds a tangy kick, while the air fryer ensures even cooking, making this a quick and easy dinner for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, these chicken legs will quickly become a favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes for a fast meal.
🥑 Healthy & Delicious: Packed with creamy avocado and wholesome ingredients.
🍞 Crispy Perfection: Toasted to golden, crispy goodness in the air fryer.
🍳 Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like eggs or tomatoes.
💚 Nutritious: A great source of healthy fats and fiber to fuel your day.

If you love easy Air Fryer Recipes, try my recipe for  Air Fryer Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash, Little Potatoes In The Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken drumsticks: Tender, juicy chicken perfect for air frying.
• Avocado oil: Light oil for crispy, golden skin.
• Smoked paprika: Adds smoky flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic powder: Savory depth to enhance the taste.
• Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and extra flavor boost.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick to the dish.
• BBQ sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce for coating.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Step Two: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step Three: Once marinated, arrange the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry the drumsticks at air fryer temperature of 375 degrees F (190°C) set cook time for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step Four: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl and toss with BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. After 2-3 minutes, your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks are ready to serve!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe Tips

• 🍗 Pat Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning, pat the chicken legs dry for extra crispiness.
  🧴 Coat with Oil: Lightly coat the chicken legs with oil to help the BBQ sauce stick.
  🌡️ Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe, fully cooked meat.
  🍖 Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer for even cooking.
  ⏱️ Flip Halfway: Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for an even, crispy texture.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

🧊 Storing: Store leftover BBQ chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

❄️ Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

What To Serve With Air Fried BBQ Chicken Legs

BBQ chicken legs made in the air fryer pair perfectly with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Serve them alongside classic side dishes like crispy roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or cornbread for a hearty, comforting dish. Grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, potato salad, or some creamy mashed potatoes also make excellent accompaniments.

For a lighter touch, consider serving with steamed broccoli or a tangy cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the BBQ sauce. These sides will not only complement the savory flavors of the chicken but also create a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy!

Air Fried BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe Faqs

🍗 Can I use frozen chicken legs? Yes, you can, but make sure to fully thaw them before seasoning and air frying for even cooking.

🌡️ How do I know when the chicken is done? Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for fully cooked chicken.

🍖 Can I cook more than 4 chicken legs at once? For the best results, avoid overcrowding the basket. If needed, cook in batches for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.

🧴 Do I need to oil the chicken? Lightly coating the chicken with oil helps the BBQ sauce stick and ensures a crispier texture.

⏱️ Can I use other sauces besides BBQ? Yes, you can use any sauce you prefer, like buffalo, honey mustard, or teriyaki.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Easy Air Fryer Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sandwich
• Air Fryer Crack Chicken Crescent Bites

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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