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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

The ultimate comfort food, these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer backyard BBQ, you'll love how easy they are to make. Grab your air fryer and get ready for a mouthwatering meal tonight!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces chicken drumsticks skin on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl combine all the spices and herbs, set mixture aside.
  3. Place chicken in a plastic resealable bag or bowl. Add olive oil and toss to coat.
  4. Add spice mixture to bag or bowl and toss to coat chicken legs.
  5. Place chicken drumsticks in a single layer in air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Do not stack chicken legs, you may need to do this in batches. You want the air to be able to circulate around them.
  6. Flip chicken drumsticks over and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Brush chicken legs with BBQ sauce on top side, flip and brush chicken legs again. Close the air fryer basket and cook 2-3 more minutes or until BBQ sauce is glazed.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken legs for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
  • Pairing: Serve with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic BBQ meal.
  • Meal prep: Prepare the spice mixture ahead of time to make cooking even quicker.
  • Grilling alternative: You can also grill these legs for a smoky flavor.