Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs
Air fryer lemon pepper chicken legs with a perfect balance of citrus and a bold kick of pepper, all while maintaining the juiciness and tenderness of succulent chicken legs.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these chicken legs are sure to become a family favourite.
Try making different variations of this gorgeous air fried lemon pepper chicken recipe.
Instead of chicken legs use boneless thighs, chicken drumsticks or even coat a whole chicken with the seasoning.
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Air Fryer Chicken Legs With Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Choosing the Perfect Chicken Legs
Before you begin, it’s crucial to select high-quality chicken legs.
Opt for organic, skin-on legs for the best flavour and texture.
The skin will turn irresistibly crispy in the air fryer, while the meat remains moist and tender.
How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs In The Air Fryer?
Air fry at 190C/ 380F for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Note: Remember that cooking times can vary based on the size of the chicken legs and the specific air fryer model you’re using.
It’s always a good idea to check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
- fresh chicken legs (4 pieces)
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning blend
- olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
How To Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Haven’t got any lemon pepper seasoning?
Make your additive-free seasoning with a few tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, two teaspoons of ground black pepper, and a teaspoon of salt. Omit the salt from the ingredient list.
How To Marinate Chicken Legs
Use a zip lock bag or a large bowl.
Place the olive oil, garlic, zesty lemon pepper seasoning, and salt into the bag or bowl and add the chicken legs.
Shake the bag so the ingredients coat the chicken or use your hands to rub in the mixture.
Allow the flavours to absorb by marinating the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before air frying.
Preparing Your Air Fryer
While the chicken marinates, prep your air fryer.
Follow these simple steps:
Preheat your air fryer to 190C/ 380F for 5 minutes.
Lightly coat the basket with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. For easier clean up use a liner or aluminium foil to line the basket.
Features a built-in drainage shelf that removes up to 150ml of fat and oil from your food without compromising flavour. The thickened 3mm flexible handles provide a comfortable and secure grip for easy removal from the air fryer. Avoid handling the liner by hand immediately after use when it’s hot. Add water below the drainage shelf to transform the air fryer liner into a microwave steamer, perfect for steaming, baking, roasting, and reheating in the air fryer. Made from food-grade silicone, ensuring safety and quality, keeping your food free from harmful elements.
How To Air Fry Chicken Legs With Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Place the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in the basket. Ensure there is some space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
Air fry the chicken legs at 190C/ 380F for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn the legs to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74C/165F. This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Once the chicken legs are a gorgeous golden-brown colour, they’re ready to be enjoyed.
This instant-read thermometer features a foldable long probe that makes it easy to check the internal temperature of meats without getting too close to the heat. The backlight display ensures you can read temperatures clearly, even in low light. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or air frying, this digital meat thermometer is a must-have tool for any cook.
Achieving Crispy Perfection: Tips for Even Cooking
For an extra layer of crispiness, consider lightly spraying your chicken legs with cooking spray before cooking.
This will help achieve that deep, golden-brown colour.
Healthier Alternative: Skinless Chicken Legs
Looking for a healthier twist?
Opt for skinless chicken legs. You’ll still enjoy the flavours of lemon and pepper without the added calories from the skin.
Less Oil
Traditional frying methods often lead to greasy and calorie-laden results.
With the air fryer, you can achieve crispiness using significantly less oil.
This means you can enjoy your air-fried lemon pepper chicken legs without worrying about excessive calories.
Air Fried Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs Serving Suggestions
Fresh Citrus Salad
Pair the zesty chicken legs with a refreshing citrus salad (recipe).
Combine orange and grapefruit segments with mixed greens, red onion, and a light vinaigrette for a vibrant and tangy side.
Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
Serve your chicken legs with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. The caramelised flavours of the veggies will complement the lemon pepper seasoning perfectly.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Create a comforting meal by serving the chicken legs with creamy mashed potatoes.
Greek Yoghurt Dip
Prepare a refreshing Greek yoghurt dip with chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a touch of garlic.
Cucumber And Tomato Salad
Mix cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese with a light balsamic vinaigrette for a light refreshing salad.
Crusty Bread
Serve the chicken legs alongside crusty bread or rolls for a satisfying and hearty meal. Use the bread to soak up any delicious juices from the chicken.
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the crispy chicken legs.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air fry sweet potato chips seasoned with a hint of cinnamon and paprika for a delicious slightly sweet side dish.
Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob brushed with a mixture of butter and lemon pepper seasoning is a perfect accompaniment.
The options are endless, customise your meal to your taste.
More Air Fryer Recipes
How To Make Air Fryer Fried Bread for Breakfast
Chicken Curry in the Air Fryer
Sweet and Sour Chicken in the Air Fryer You’ll Love!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken legs for this recipe?
Fresh chicken legs are recommended for optimal results but you can use frozen legs. However, fully thaw them and marinate them for maximum flavour.
How do I prevent the chicken skin from becoming too dry?
Marinating the chicken before cooking helps lock in moisture. Additionally, you can lightly brush the chicken skin with oil.
Can I adjust the seasoning to make it less spicy?
Feel free to adjust the amount of zesty lemon pepper seasoning according to your taste.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken legs are recommended for their juiciness, you can adapt the recipe using boneless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating overnight intensifies the flavours and results in an even tastier dish.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
This versatile marinade works well with various proteins like chicken breasts, pork chops, and even tofu.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- fresh chicken legs (4 pieces)
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning blend
- olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the chicken legs with olive oil, garlic, zesty lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
- Allow the flavours to absorb by marinating the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before air frying.
- Preparing Your Air Fryer
- While the chicken marinates, prep your air fryer.
- Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 190C/ 380F for 5 minutes.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. For easier clean up use a liner or aluminium foil to line the basket.
- How To Air Fry Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs
- Place the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is some space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
- Air fry the chicken legs at 190C/ 380F for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn the legs to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74C/165F. This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Once the chicken legs are a gorgeous golden-brown colour, they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
Marinade for extra tasty chicken legs.
The nutritional value may not be correct.
