Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Legs

Baking Chicken Legs in the oven is a simple and delicious way to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin with juicy, flavorful meat. This easy recipe serves as a delightful appetizer or main dish. Additionally, I’ll show you how to make them in an air fryer for even quicker results!

Baked Chicken Legs Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chicken: Use chicken legs, which include the drumstick and thigh. They are known for their tenderness and rich flavor. If you opt for a different chicken part, adjust the baking time accordingly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
• Seasonings: The blend includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, kosher salt, and ground pepper mixed with olive oil. Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking!

How to Bake the Crispiest Chicken Legs

Achieving the crispiest chicken legs in the oven involves a few key steps:

1. Pat Dry: Thoroughly pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Moisture hinders crispiness, so make sure the chicken is dry.
2. Season Generously: Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix. Lightly brushing with oil helps in crisping.
3. Bake at High Temperature: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to elevate the chicken legs, allowing air to circulate for even cooking and crisping. Turn the chicken legs halfway through baking to ensure all sides are evenly exposed to heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper heat distribution.

By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken legs every time!

How to Store Chicken Legs

Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken legs, about 2 pounds (1 kg)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare Seasoning: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat Chicken Dry: Thoroughly pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Toss the chicken legs in the bowl to coat them with the seasoning mixture.
4. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Optionally, place the chicken legs on an oven-safe wire rack on the baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken legs are cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Coat Chicken: Coat the chicken legs in the seasoned oil mixture.
2. Air Fry: Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Cook: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 18 minutes, flipping the legs halfway through the cooking time. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Enjoy your perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken legs!