Description
Deeply savory, slightly smoky, with a crispy Parmesan crust — these air fryer chicken legs are an easy weeknight hit!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cayenne
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place on a platter.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Preheat air fryer to 415°F.
- Arrange chicken skin side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For larger pieces, continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes if necessary.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps the skin get extra crispy.
- Adjust cayenne to taste for more or less heat.
- Try with drumsticks, thighs, or even wings — adjust cook time accordingly.
- Delicious with ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
