Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe (2024)

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Ready to make a healthy air fryer chicken recipe? This easy to make fried chicken recipe tastes even better than the deep fried alternatives! Using an air fryer has really revamped my dedication to healthier eating, and I know you will learn to love it as much as I do after you try this amazing recipe.

If you prefer your chicken on the spicy side, then you may want to try out my Air Fryer Nashville Chicken recipe!

Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

I love fried chicken. The problem is, fried chicken is just typically a very unhealthy option to have in my diet regularly. When things like chicken legs or thighs go on sale at the grocery store, my immediate thought is to batter and deep fry them for a wonderful fried chicken meal. My mouth waters at the idea of having chicken with a side of my favorite summer squash casserole.

I was determined to find a way to make chicken delicious, crispy, and healthy. Out came the air fryer to the rescue for this easy and amazing recipe! If you’ve never used an air fryer, make sure you check out my Air Fryer Tips first so you know everything you need to make it work perfectly.

How do I get that crispy coating on air fryer chicken?

When making this recipe, the air fryer acts as the oil when you are cooking. It crisps the coating on outside of the chicken. The chicken coating is made from traditional items like flour, baking soda, and panko breadcrumbs, so it has the same flavor you are used to, without the guilt.

For the best crispy coating, you want to make sure your chicken is in a single layer in your air fryer. Allow a bit of room between each piece of chicken so the air can flow around the entire piece. This makes your breading brown and crips just like it would if deep-fried.

What can I cook in an air fryer?

When it comes to cooking in the air fryer, the possibilities are endless. I have made everything from basic french fries to a delicious juicy tender steak in my air fryer. This little countertop appliance is a wonderful addition to the kitchen!

Making crispy sides like fries, roasted vegetables, or even snacking on crunchy roasted chickpeas has never been easier. We have made many meals in our air fryer, that I know you will love. Some of my favorites are linked below.

• Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes
• Healthy Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies
• Crunchy Airfryer Avocado Fries.

Ingredients

• chicken drumsticks
• buttermilk
• panko breadcrumbs
• flour
• baking powder
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• paprika
• dried oregano
• butter

When you are ready to start cooking, you will preheat your air fryer as directed, and then start mixing together the breading for your chicken.

Coat each piece well, then lay in a single layer on your air fryer basket. Make sure you put a bit of space between each piece of chicken. That is what helps it get crispy. It’s okay if you have to cook in two batches to make sure all of the chicken is done perfectly.

Now – the key to this delicious is in the next step. At 15 minutes into the cooking time, open the air fryer and brush each leg with melted butter. Coat all sides if possible. Pop that chicken back in and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until a meat thermometer shows it has reached 165 degrees internal temperature.