Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Published February 5, 2021 • Updated February 1, 2026
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. These air fryer chicken legs are one of the easiest keto dinners I make for my family. The garlic Dijon marinade is what takes them over the top.
Chicken drumsticks are one of my go-to cuts for keto dinners. The dark meat is naturally higher in fat and so flavorful on its own. I make a lot of air fryer chicken – wings, tenders – and these drumsticks are in the regular rotation.
The air fryer gets the skin perfectly crispy while keeping the inside juicy. No deep frying needed, no heating up the whole kitchen. This is a low carb dinner that takes about 20 minutes of actual cook time with almost no prep work.
How to air fry drumsticks?
To air fry chicken drumsticks:
- Season or marinate your chicken first. I rub mine with a buttery garlic Dijon marinade and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
- Preheat the appliance to 390˚F for five minutes.
- Place your chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring that no two pieces are touching each other.
- Put the basket into the air fryer for 9-10 minutes, then take it out to flip your drumsticks.
- Once flipped, cook for the final 9-10 minutes, before serving the crispy chicken.
If you want to switch it up, brush on our keto BBQ sauce before and after cooking instead of the Dijon marinade.
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Ingredients
6 - 8 chicken legs -
salt and pepper
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons minced shallot
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1 tablespoon butter, softened or melted
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2 teaspoon garlic
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup chopped parsley
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Air Fryer
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Prep the drumsticks
Pat each chicken leg dry with a paper towel. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
Mix the marinade
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, mustard, shallot, butter, garlic salt and parsley.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken legs for this recipe?
You can, but they won't get that crispy texture. The skin locks in moisture and adds a ton of flavor, so I always leave it on.
What can I substitute for dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard works fine. Skip honey mustard if you're keeping this keto since most brands add sugar. Whole grain mustard is another good swap.
How long can I store leftover air fryer chicken legs?
You can store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back!
What sides pair well with air fryer chicken legs?
I usually serve these with roasted broccoli or a big green salad. My cauliflower mashed potatoes are great alongside them too.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. I like about 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne for a noticeable kick without it being overpowering.
