Imagine transforming rock-hard frozen chicken legs into a mouth-watering, crispy masterpiece in just 35 minutes - without the hassle of thawing! This foolproof air fryer recipe will revolutionize your weeknight dinner game, delivering restaurant-quality chicken with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef, these golden, juicy chicken legs will become your new go-to meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 frozen chicken legs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove frozen chicken legs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the frozen chicken legs, ensuring each piece is lightly coated to help seasonings adhere and promote crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the frozen chicken legs, gently pressing the spices into the surface.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange the seasoned frozen chicken legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispy skin.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure food safety.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy crispy, perfectly cooked frozen chicken legs.
Tips
- Always pat your frozen chicken legs dry to prevent excess moisture that can make the skin soggy.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - leave space between chicken legs for optimal air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispy skin, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil halfway through cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends to keep the recipe exciting and suit different taste preferences.
- Clean your air fryer basket immediately after cooking to prevent seasoning buildup and maintain appliance performance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
