Preparation

1. Begin by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets extra crispy. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 5-10 minutes for even cooking.

Seasoning Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create your seasoning mixture.

Coating the Chicken

1. Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and drizzle with the seasoning mixture. Toss well to ensure each drumstick is evenly coated with the flavorful spices.

Prepping the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (about 200 degrees C) for a few minutes. If desired, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Air Frying

1. Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space between them for the hot air to circulate effectively. This is crucial for achieving that crispy skin and tender meat.

Cooking Time

1. Air fry the chicken legs for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact cook time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the drumsticks.

Checking for Doneness

1. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temp should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Serving

1. Let the crispy air fryer chicken legs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is succulent and moist.