KFC AIR FRYER CHICKEN LEGS

 

KFC Air Fryer Chicken Legs: Crispy, Juicy, and Finger-Lickin’ Good!

Who doesn’t crave that golden, crunchy, perfectly seasoned KFC-style fried chicken? The only downside — all that deep frying! But what if you could enjoy the same crispy coating and juicy meat with way less oil and mess? Enter the Air Fryer KFC Chicken Legs — the guilt-free, homemade version of a fast-food favorite that tastes just as good (if not better!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken flavor right to your kitchen using simple spices and your trusty air fryer. It’s easy, quick, and so satisfying — the chicken turns out tender on the inside and delightfully crunchy on the outside, all without a deep fryer.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these crispy chicken legs are sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 6 chicken drumsticks (skin-on for best crispiness)

• 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the seasoned coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps make the coating light and crisp)

For cooking:

• Olive oil spray or any neutral oil spray

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken legs, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

2. Prepare the coating:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and baking powder.

3. Coat the chicken:
   Remove chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each leg in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly so it sticks well. Lightly spray each piece with oil.

4. Preheat the air fryer:
   Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.

5. Air fry the chicken:
   Arrange the coated chicken legs in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve and enjoy:
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for the full KFC experience!

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Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

• Don’t skip the buttermilk soak: It tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.

• Spray lightly with oil: This helps the air fryer crisp the coating evenly.

• Cook in batches if needed: Overcrowding prevents even air circulation and can make the chicken soggy.

• Double coat for extra crunch: Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then into the flour again before air frying.

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Why the Air Fryer Wins Every Time

Air frying uses hot circulating air to mimic deep frying — without submerging your food in oil. That means fewer calories, less mess, and easier cleanup, all while keeping the same mouthwatering crunch. It’s a modern twist on the comfort food we all know and love.

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Final Thoughts

With this KFC Air Fryer Chicken Legs recipe, you can satisfy your fried chicken cravings any night of the week — no drive-thru, no greasy mess, just pure crispy perfection. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, proving once again that comfort food can be both indulgent and healthier.

So grab your air fryer, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for some seriously finger-lickin’ good homemade chicken!