Name: Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Spiced Brown Sugar Rub Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 chicken legs; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 1.5 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp ground mustard; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or substitute with olive or avocado oil)

Description

Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken legs seasoned with a delicious blend of spices and brown sugar, cooked to juicy perfection in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe delivers tender, well-spiced chicken legs with a slightly sweet and smoky crust, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

6 chicken legs

Seasoning Mix

3 tbsp brown sugar
1.5 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Oil

1 tbsp vegetable oil (or substitute with olive or avocado oil)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispiness during cooking.
Mix Seasonings: In a large zip-top bag, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake well to ensure all spices are evenly mixed.
Coat Chicken: Add the chicken legs to the bag, pour in the vegetable oil, then seal and shake thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture and oil.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for crisping the chicken legs.
Cook Chicken: Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 380°F for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping and thorough cooking. The internal temperature should register between 165°F and 185°F when done.
Serve: Remove the chicken legs carefully and serve hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin.
Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance; omit if you prefer no heat.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure safety and juiciness.
Leftover chicken legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.