30 Chicken Legs Air Fryer Recipes That are Tender, Tasty, and Totally Easy!

November 21, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Cooking chicken legs in the air fryer is a great way to make meals without a hassle. But, which recipe to follow? Well, as you can see from this post, there are a lot of chicken legs air fryer recipes for you to check out! Go ahead and discover your favorites! 

chicken legs air fryer

1. SPG Chicken Legs 

SPG stands for salt, pepper, and garlic powder - the holy trinity of chicken seasoning! This recipe is just what you need if you are looking for a straightforward chicken legs recipe with minimal fuss. Simply coat the chicken legs in these ingredients and then place in the air fryer basket and cook until done! 

Get the recipe here

SPG Chicken Legs 

2. Savory Chicken Legs 

This is another simple recipe - it is perfect if you want a full-bodied flavor but don't want to waste your time mixing up ingredients. All you need here is your favorite chicken seasoning. Toss the chicken legs in this and then air fry until golden brown - it is as easy as that! 

Get the recipe here

Savory Chicken Legs 

3. Crispy Chicken Legs 

Looking for the same level of crispiness that you get when you deep fry your chicken legs? Well, then this is the recipe for you! The secret weapon here is baking powder - it gets the skin all nice and crispy! Sprinkle the chicken legs with a mix of baking powder, salt, and pepper and then cook on each side until done! 

Get the recipe here

Crispy Chicken Legs 

4. Simple Spiced Chicken Legs 

If you like a little bit of spice - but not too much - then this recipe is the one for you! Here, the chicken is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard. The legs are brushed in oil and then sprinkled with the spices. Then, place in a preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Simple Spiced Chicken Legs 

5. Extra Spiced Chicken Legs 

Of course, if you are all about infusing your chicken with as much flavor as possible, this recipe may be more up your alley! With this recipe, your chicken legs are coated in garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander - all perfect for adding a lovely smoky flavor to your chicken legs. Season and air fry until perfect! 

Get the recipe here

Extra Spiced Chicken Legs 

6. Sweet and Spiced Chicken Legs 

A touch of sweetness is a great way to help balance out the flavors! The seasoning rub for this recipe consists of brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Coat the legs in the oil and seasoning before placing in a preheated air fryer and cooking on each side until done! 

Get the recipe here

Sweet and Spiced Chicken Legs 

7. Roasted Garlic and Pepper Chicken Legs 

If you are looking to add a different kind of flavor to this recipe, then you should give this recipe a try! Don't worry as you don't have to do too much extra work. Instead, look for a roasted garlic and pepper seasoning and add this to your chicken leg rub. Coat the legs and air fry! 

Get the recipe here

Roasted Garlic and Pepper Chicken Legs 

8. Ginger and Garlic Chicken Legs 

This recipe works well when you would like a more aromatic chicken leg! Here, the chicken legs are sprinkled with a mix of garlic powder, ginger powder, smoked paprika, and bouillon seasoning. Then, place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket and cook on each side! 

Get the recipe here

Ginger and Garlic Chicken Legs 

9. Rosemary Chicken Legs

The earthy and fresh flavors really make these chicken legs stand out - they are great for when you want to add a more subtle flavor to your chicken! The legs are tossed in chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper and then air fried. Let the chicken legs rest and then serve! 

Get the recipe here

Rosemary Chicken Legs

10. Mustard Chicken Legs 

This is a great way to brighten up your chicken legs while still keeping the focus on the natural flavor profile of the chicken. Mix mustard with mayo, granulated garlic, salt, and chicken seasoning. Coat the chicken with this before air frying until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Mustard Chicken Legs 

11. Mustard Garlic and Herb Chicken Legs

If you would like a bit more of a balanced flavor, try this recipe! The chicken legs are tossed in a mix of grainy mustard, garlic, and dried herbs. Spray the chicken legs with oil and season. Then, pop in the air fryer and cook until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! 

Get the recipe here

Mustard Garlic and Herb Chicken Legs

12. Herb and Spice Chicken Legs 

The fresh earthiness of the herb is the perfect partner for the smokiness of the spices! For this recipe, season the chicken legs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and coriander. Then, place in the air fryer and top with fresh thyme. Cook for a while, discard the herbs, and then continue to cook until done! 

Get the recipe here.

Herb and Spice Chicken Legs 

13. Chipotle Chicken Legs 

Add a hint of chipotle and a whole lot of flavor to your chicken legs with this recipe! Mix chipotle powder with granulated garlic, smoked paprika, celery seeds, mustard powder, and herbs. Brush the legs with oil and coat in the seasoning mix. Air fry until cooked through and golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Chipotle Chicken Legs 

14. Lemon Oregano Spiced Chicken Legs

The lemon juice adds tang and brightness to your air fried chicken legs! Combine in the lemon juice with oregano, cayenne, turmeric, and more! Toss the chicken in this until completely coated and then air fry on each side until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Oregano Spiced Chicken Legs

15. Lemon Parsley Spice Chicken Legs 

The lemon adds zest while the parsley infuses a softer herb flavor into your chicken! These ingredients are mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder. Then, cover the chicken in the rub and marinate for a while before air frying! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Parsley Spice Chicken Legs 

16. Indian Chicken Legs 

Seriously pump up the flavor with your chicken legs with this air fryer recipe! The chicken legs are marinated in a mix of tomato paste, garlic paste, ginger paste, lemon juice, and a whole host of spices. Place the legs in the air fryer and cook until lightly charred! 

Get the recipe here

Indian Chicken Legs 

17. BBQ Chicken Legs 

These classic BBQ chicken legs are going to blow your mind with how good they taste! The chicken legs are coated in a homemade BBQ rub and air fried. When they are nearly done, brush the sauce onto the legs, and pop back into the air fryer until a light glaze forms. Rest and serve! 

Get the recipe here

BBQ Chicken Legs 

18. Teriyaki Chicken Legs 

For this recipe, the chicken legs are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce for that sweet, savory, tangy flavor! Simmer soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Then, baste the chicken legs with the sauce and cook in the air fryer until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Teriyaki Chicken Legs 

19. Japanese Inspired Chicken Legs 

This recipe is technically also a teriyaki recipe but it uses authentic, subtler ingredients! Mix soy sauce with mirin, sake, sugar, and aromatics together. Marinate the chicken legs in this and then cook in the air fryer. Baste with the marinade until a light glaze forms! 

Get the recipe here

Japanese Inspired Chicken Legs 

20. Sprite Marinated Chicken Legs 

This marinade may seem a little unusual but it is perfect for ensuring that your chicken legs are tasty and tender! The chicken legs are marinated in a mix of sprite, soy sauce, lemongrass, oyster sauce, and spices. Once done, pop the chicken legs in the air fryer and cook until done!

Get the recipe here

Sprite Marinated Chicken Legs 

21. Cajun Chicken Legs 

These chicken legs are slightly smoky and oh so delicious! One thing that makes these legs even tastier is the fact that they are tossed in a homemade cajun seasoning. Then, lay them in the air fryer and cook until crispy. Rest and serve with fresh herbs! 

Get the recipe here

Cajun Chicken Legs 

22. Mexican Chicken Legs 

You sure haven't tasted Mexican inspired chicken legs like these before! The secret ingredient here is mole seasoning! Blend corn tortillas and the seasoning until they form crumbs. Brush the chicken legs with oil and then coat in this breading before air frying until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Mexican Chicken Legs 

23. Tangy Chicken Legs 

If you are looking for a recipe that will perk up your day, then your search is over! Start by lightly seasoning the chicken, popping into the air fryer, and cooking. In the meantime, simmer sugar, lemon juice, and vinegar together. Brush this glaze onto the chicken legs and top with lemon slices. Continue to air fry until done! 

Get the recipe here

Tangy Chicken Legs 

24. Shawarma Spiced Chicken Legs 

This recipe shows you how to infuse your chicken legs with the most incredible spices to give you a dish that tastes like your favorite Middle Eastern wrap! Toss the legs in a mix of lemon juice, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and more. You can then choose to either marinate the legs or cook them immediately. Serve with a side of crispy potatoes! 

Get the recipe here

Shawarma Spiced Chicken Legs 

25. Spicy Chicken Legs with Rustic Potatoes 

These chicken legs are infused with the yummiest ingredients that add quite a bit of heat into the mix! The chicken is coated in a mix of green chilies, garlic, Kashmiri masala, yogurt, ghee, jeera powder, and more and marinated. Then, pop into the air fryer (along with the potatoes) and cook until golden brown. Make sure to baste the chicken with sauce as they cook! 

Get the recipe here

Spicy Chicken Legs With Rustic Potatoes 

26. Fried Chicken Legs 

This fried chicken recipe is so good that you might stop ordering out! Begin by marinating the legs in buttermilk. In the meantime, mix flour and seasonings together. Dip the chicken legs in this mix, rest for a while, and then fry until crunchy in the air fryer! 

Get the recipe here

Fried Chicken Legs 

27. Lime and Spice Chicken Legs 

Zesty and perfectly spiced, these chicken legs are going to make for a really yummy summertime meal! Simply mix the chicken legs with lime juice, cumin, paprika, and more. Marinate for a while and pop into the air fryer and cook on each side until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Lime and Spice Chicken Legs 

28. Nashville Hot Chicken Legs 

If you are a fan of spicy fried chicken, then this may become your new favorite recipe! Marinate the chicken legs in buttermilk, hot sauce, and seasoning. Then, toss in spices and baking powder. Place in the air fryer and cook until nice and crispy! 

Get the recipe here

Nashville Hot Chicken Legs 

29. Soy Sesame Chicken Legs 

Infuse your chicken legs with a ton of flavor with this recipe! Here, the chicken legs are tossed in soy sauce, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, honey, and seasonings. The legs are then air fried until they are browned on all sides! 

Get the recipe here

Soy Sesame Chicken Legs 

30. Jerk Chicken Legs 

This recipe is great for when you want some serious flavor to your chicken legs but don't want to make too much of an effort! Here, you use store bought jerk seasoning and savory seasoning  to coat the chicken. Once covered, cook in the air fryer until done! 

Get the recipe here

Jerk Chicken Legs 

Well, there you have it - a recipe guide for cooking chicken legs in the air fryer. You can now whip up chicken legs in a multitude of ways without any hassle at all. Go ahead and get started!

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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