Butterflied Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer
Butterflied chicken legs air fryer are a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal option. The butterflying technique ensures even cooking and crispy skin, while the air fryer reduces the need for excess oil. This recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress guests with minimal preparation.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife (for butterflying the chicken legs)
- Tongs or spatula (for flipping the chicken)
- Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
- Paper towels (for patting the chicken dry)
- Bowl (for seasoning or marinating)
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken legs (butterflied)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried herbs rosemary, thyme, or oregano
- Optional: lemon juice BBQ sauce, or marinade of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Place the chicken legs skin-side down and carefully cut along the bone to butterfly the legs. Press down gently to flatten the chicken.
- Pat the Chicken Dry:Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up when cooked.
- Season the Chicken:In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken legs. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:Place the butterflied chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
- Check for Doneness:Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken:Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Brush with BBQ sauce or honey in the last 5 minutes for a sweet glaze.
Marinate the chicken for extra flavor before cooking.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat in the air fryer for crispy results.
