If you're craving a dish that delivers both flavor and ease, look no further than these Sticky Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Legs! Imagine succulent chicken legs, marinated in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then air-fried to crispy perfection. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a total of 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend feast. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken legs, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk the mixture until well blended, ensuring that the honey is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Place the chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each leg is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours or even overnight if time allows.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes while the chicken is marinating.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the chicken legs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken legs in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are evenly cooked and crispy on all sides.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful chicken.
- Serve the sticky garlic air fryer chicken legs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, let the chicken legs marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Preheat it to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes before cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the chicken legs in the air fryer, make sure they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Remember to flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking process. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that coveted crispy skin on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more delicious!
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: For a pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing your chicken legs with chopped green onions or sesame seeds just before serving. It adds a lovely finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
