Hey y'all! If you're craving irresistibly crispy chicken legs coated in smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, this recipe for Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs is about to become your new go-to. Whether you're cooking up a quick weeknight dinner, planning a backyard picnic, or just want a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these air fryer chicken legs deliver bold flavor and crunchy texture without the mess of deep frying. Ready for a finger-lickin' experience? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love These Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- Quick and Simple: Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes, no oven required!
- Healthier Option: Get deliciously crispy skin with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying.
- Bold BBQ Flavor: Sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a main dish, game day snack, or party platter.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love these juicy, saucy chicken legs.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Legs
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder over the chicken. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures extra-crispy skin.
Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry
Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.) Air fry for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.
Step 4: Brush with BBQ Sauce
Carefully remove the basket and brush the chicken legs generously with BBQ sauce. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes at 400°F until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving. Dive in and enjoy the crunchy, saucy goodness!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key for crispiness. Read more about air fryer tips here.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F).
Variations on Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- Spicy BBQ: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Honey BBQ: Stir 2 tablespoons honey into the BBQ sauce for a sweet finish.
- Dry Rub Only: Skip the sauce and double the spices for a no-sauce, crispy dry rub version.
Equipment Needed for Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- Air fryer (any model with at least a 4-quart basket)
- Large mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (see safe temps here)
- Basting brush
- Tongs
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also freeze cooked chicken legs for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
- Great with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- Let the chicken legs sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Flip the legs halfway through for maximum crispiness on all sides.
- For homemade BBQ sauce recipes and ideas, check out Simply Recipes.
FAQ: Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
- Can I use frozen chicken legs in the air fryer?
- Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- What type of BBQ sauce works best?
- Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy varieties all work well with this recipe!
- How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket?
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or brush with oil before adding the chicken legs.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
-
1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
-
2Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
-
3Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18 minutes, turning halfway through.
-
4Brush the chicken legs with barbecue sauce and air fry for an additional 4 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
-
5Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!