Air fryer BBQ chicken legs -Air fryer BBQ chicken legs are a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, crispy chicken with the classic flavors of barbecue. With the air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat in just a fraction of the time it would take to cook chicken legs in the oven or on the grill.

This Recipe for air fryer bbq chicken legs is split into two parts, the first is for tips, suggestions, instructions, and why you should make bbq chicken legs in air fryer. and the second part for the recipe card to save or print it. You can jump directly to the air fryer bbq chicken legs recipe from here.

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Table of Contents

Tips and suggestions for air fryer bbq chicken legs recipes

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the chicken legs are cooked through and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Marinate the chicken legs: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken legs in your favorite BBQ sauce or seasoning blend for a few hours before cooking. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and make it even more delicious.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure to arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Flip the chicken legs halfway through cooking: Flipping the chicken legs halfway through cooking will help ensure that they cook evenly on both sides and get crispy all over.
Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken legs: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs. Larger chicken legs may require a longer cooking time, while smaller ones may cook more quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Use tongs to handle the chicken legs: When handling the chicken legs in the air fryer, use tongs to flip them over and remove them from the basket. This will help prevent any burns or injuries.
Serve with your favorite sides: Air fryer BBQ chicken legs pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. Get creative and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

There are several benefits to cooking BBQ chicken legs in air fryer:

Healthier option: Cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is a healthier option than deep-frying. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the chicken, which means you can enjoy crispy chicken with less oil and fat.
Time-saving: Cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is quick and easy, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights. With the air fryer, you can have delicious and crispy chicken legs on the table in just a fraction of the time it would take to cook them in the oven or on the grill.
Versatility: Air fryers are versatile appliances that can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from chicken and vegetables to French fries and even desserts. This means that you can use your air fryer for a variety of meals and snacks, making it a great investment for any kitchen.
Easy to use and clean: Air fryers are easy to use and clean, which makes them a great option for novice cooks and busy families. Most air fryers have simple controls and can be cleaned with just a damp cloth or sponge.
Delicious flavor: Cooking BBQ chicken legs in an air fryer can result in deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The high heat of the air fryer helps to caramelize the BBQ sauce, giving the chicken a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor.

Most asked questions about air fryer bbq chicken legs

What kind of seasoning can I add to air fryer drumsticks bbq?

There are many different seasonings that you can add to air fryer drumsticks for BBQ flavor. Here are a few options:

BBQ seasoning: A pre-made BBQ seasoning blend can be a quick and easy way to add flavor to your drumsticks. Look for a blend that includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
Garlic and herb seasoning: A garlic and herb seasoning blend can add a savory, herbaceous flavor to your drumsticks. Look for a blend that includes ingredients like garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried thyme.
Cajun seasoning: A Cajun seasoning blend can add a spicy kick to your drumsticks. Look for a blend that includes ingredients like cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Lemon pepper seasoning: A lemon pepper seasoning blend can add a bright, citrusy flavor to your drumsticks. Look for a blend that includes ingredients like lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a smoky, BBQ-like flavor to your drumsticks. Simply sprinkle some smoked paprika over the drumsticks before cooking for a delicious smoky flavor.

Remember to always adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile!

How long should I cook bbq drumsticks in air fryer?

The cooking time for BBQ drumsticks in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the temperature of your air fryer. However, a general guideline for cooking BBQ drumsticks in an air fryer is:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and season them with your desired seasonings.
Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
Cook the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
Brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to add flavor and caramelization.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through to at least 165°F (74°C).
Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the skin to crisp up.

Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the drumsticks, so always check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.

Are you looking for an air fryer cookbook specific to the UK’s recipes? I recommend this cookbook for you.

This cookbook focuses on recipes from the UK and includes over +90 dishes designed for the air fryer. Despite its low price, it offers a substantial amount of content. I hope you enjoy it! You can find it HERE

How do I know when the bbq chicken drumsticks air fryer is done?

To know if BBQ chicken drumsticks in an air fryer are done, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, being careful not to touch the bone. Once the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) or above, the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Another way to check if the chicken is done is by cutting into the thickest part of the drumstick with a knife. If the juices run clear and there is no pink or red meat, the chicken is cooked through.

It’s important to avoid overcooking the chicken as this can make it dry and tough. Use a timer and check the temperature regularly to avoid overcooking the chicken. Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the skin to crisp up.

Can I cook frozen drumsticks in an air fryer bbq chicken legs recipe?

Yes, you can definitely cook frozen drumsticks in an air fryer BBQ chicken legs recipe. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that your chicken is cooked safely and to perfection.

Here’s how you can do it:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Take the frozen chicken drumsticks out of the freezer and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket as this will affect the cooking time and the final result.
Cook the drumsticks for about 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes on the other side. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.
After 20 minutes of cooking, brush the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is caramelized.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken drumsticks, so it’s important to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safety.

What I can serve with air fryer bbq chicken legs?

There are many delicious side dishes that can complement air fryer BBQ chicken legs. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob.
Potato salad, coleslaw, or macaroni salad.
Baked beans or cornbread.
Roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Grilled or roasted mushrooms.
Fried okra or onion rings.
Rice pilaf or quinoa salad.
Grilled pineapple or watermelon slices.

Choose your favorite sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal with your air fryer BBQ chicken legs.

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In conclusion, air fryer BBQ chicken legs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that you can enjoy any time of the year. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can create a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious chicken legs!

The recipe for air fryer bbq chicken legs to save or print

Air fryer BBQ chicken legs

Air fryer BBQ chicken legs are a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, crispy chicken with the classic flavors of barbecue. With the air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat in just a fraction of the time it would take to cook chicken legs in the oven or on the grill.

Air Fryer

8 chicken legs (aka drumsticks)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup prepared BBQ sauce

Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, if yours requires preheating.
Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
Drizzle the chicken legs on all sides with the olive oil then season on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
Place the chicken legs in an even layer in the Air Fryer tray. Cook at 400 for 10 minutes, then turn over and cook for 10 more minutes.
Baste all sides of the chicken legs with BBQ sauce. (I baste the tops and then turn them over one more time and baste the other side.) Cook at 400 for an additional 3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Let sit for 5 minutes. (They are hot and can burn fingers if picked up right away.) Enjoy!

Chicken: You’ll need 8 chicken legs (aka chicken drumsticks) for this recipe. I recommend leaving the skin on because it gets a bit crispy in the Air Fryer before being slathered with the sauce and finishing. So tasty!
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. You could even substitute a flavored BBQ sauce if you wanted to change the flavor here a bit.
Servings: The recipe makes enough for 4 people if everyone has 2 chicken legs. You can certainly double the recipe, but you’ll need to cook the chicken in batches. (It must be in an even layer in your Air Fryer tray to cook properly.)
Spicy: Want to make these a little spicy? Feel free to add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. Or you could use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Leftovers: Leftover chicken legs, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to reheat: To reheat, place the drumsticks in an even layer in the Air Fryer tray and set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through. Feel free to baste with extra BBQ sauce if you think it’s needed.