Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs and Thighs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These juicy air fryer chicken thighs and legs are tender with perfectly seasoned, crispy skin all cooked in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.  There is a method to frying chicken in an air fryer.  Example:

• You want skin on and bone in thighs and drumsticks Do not use boneless or skinless.
• You need to always pat dry before you season and then leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• You want to dredge the chicken in cornstarch for the ultra-crispy, golden-brown skin.
• You want to use a dry rub for your seasonings.
• After first dredging, pop it on a wire rack for about 10 mins. The coating will cling so much better!
• Don't overcrowd the basket.
• Don’t forget to flip it halfway through.

 

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs and Thighs

 

6 chicken thighs, with bone and skin

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ cup corn starch for dredging

 

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub olive oil all over chicken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add the cornstarch to a small bowl and dredge each piece of chicken through it. Shake off excess cornstarch.

Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the cornstarch. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using your hands, rub the seasoning well all over the chicken then transfer to the air fryer, skin side down. Lay the chicken in the air fryer skin side down. Do not overcrowd.

Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for 10-12 minutes more until golden and crispy and cooked through in the center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken is cooked at 165F internal temp, but I prefer chicken thighs to be at least 175F to be tender, and I like to give the skin time to crisp up. They don’t dry out the same way as chicken breasts do so don’t worry if yours go over that temp.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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