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Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Lemon Garlic: A Zesty Delight

The air fryer has revolutionised home cooking, allowing us to enjoy crispy, succulent dishes with significantly less oil and fuss. Among the myriad of recipes that can be whipped up in this versatile appliance, Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Lemon Garlic stands out as a delightful combination of flavours that is both simple and satisfying. Whether it’s a mid-week meal or a nostalgic comfort dish, this recipe will elevate your dining experience.

Ingredients

To prepare Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Lemon Garlic, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs (drumsticks)
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (or fresh if available)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This zesty marinade is what makes the chicken legs irresistibly flavourful.

2. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken legs to the bowl and ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. For best results, it’s advisable to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, leave it for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavours.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken legs come out nice and crispy.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Legs

1. Arrange in the Basket: Place the marinated chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to circulate effectively around each leg, resulting in even cooking.

2. Cook: Air fry the chicken legs for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and the specific model of your air fryer, so it’s helpful to check for doneness.

3. Check for Doneness: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, an extra squeeze of lemon for added zing.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Lemon Garlic are incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways. Pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal, or serve alongside roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier option. You can also enjoy these succulent legs on a bed of rice, drizzled with the remaining lemon-garlic marinade for extra flavour.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken legs in the air fryer is not just a healthier option but also a faster way to achieve that crispy skin and juicy interior that everyone loves. With the delightful combination of lemon and garlic, this recipe is sure to please family and guests alike. So, dust off your air fryer and give this zesty dish a try—your taste buds will thank you!