👩🍳 Instructions
1
Pat chicken legs dry and sprinkle with 1 1/2 tsp salt. Place on a rack and refrigerate for 30–90 minutes for a short dry brine.
2
Mix paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Add oil and lemon zest to make a thin paste. Rub evenly over each drumstick.
3
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange drumsticks in a single layer with space between them.
4
Air fry at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). For extra crispness, add 2–3 minutes at 420°F (215°C) at the end.
5
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
