Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Crispy air fryer bbq chicken legs are drenched in barbecue sauce and packed with so much flavor. It’s a quick, easy and cheap meal for busy weeknights. My favorite bbq sauce to use when I make air fried drumsticks is Sweet Baby Ray’s but any other bbq sauce will work. The chicken legs come out so juicy and perfectly cooked, you won’t want to make them any other way. And if you’re on the hunt for some cheap but delicious air fryer recipes, then be sure to check this recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs and these Air Fryer Chicken Fries which are a favorite amongst the kids in my home.

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Ingredients

• Chicken Drumsticks (Legs) – Season the chicken legs well.
• Barbecue Sauce – I love Sweet Baby Ray’s bbq sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Granulated Garlic, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Paprika and Ground Oregano – Mix the seasonings to combine and coat the drumsticks for maximum flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine the salt, ground black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, ground paprika and ground oregano. Mix the spice blend well.
3. Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a paper towel and season with the spice blend making sure to coat each chicken leg completely.
4. Spray the inside of the air fryer with a propellant free cooking spray.
5. Transfer the chicken legs to the air fryer skin side up and cook at 380 degrees F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and toss with barbecue sauce in a bowl.
7. Place the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes at 380 degrees F or until a thermometer inserted into the chicken legs reads a minimum of 165 degrees F.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Is This Recipe Spicy?

I know I used cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend so some people have asked if this recipe is spicy. The answer is, not at all. There is a very small amount of cayenne pepper added to the drumsticks just for flavor. You likely won’t taste any of that spice when consuming the dish.

Storing Suggestions

Store completely cooled leftover chicken legs in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at the lowest temperature setting about 300 degrees F until completely heated through.

Recipe Notes

• The seasoning measurements in this recipe are provided as a guide. Always season according to taste.
• Check for doneness with a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken is ready to consume. A temperature of 165 degrees F or above is safe for chicken.
• Always read your air fryer manual before using it.