The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Cooking Chicken Legs
Chicken legs are a crowd-pleaser—juicy, flavorful, and versatile. But getting that perfect crispy skin and tender meat can be tricky with traditional cooking methods. Enter the air fryer: a game-changer for home cooks. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to mimic deep-frying results with minimal oil, making them ideal for chicken legs. They cook faster than ovens, are easier to clean than deep fryers, and deliver consistent results. Whether you’re aiming for spicy drumsticks or classic BBQ flavors, the right air fryer can elevate your chicken leg game. Below, we’ve rounded up the six best air fryers for chicken legs in 2025, based on performance, capacity, ease of use, and real user feedback.
Key Features to Look for in an Air Fryer for Chicken Legs
Before diving into our top picks, let’s break down what makes an air fryer great for chicken legs:
- Capacity: Chicken legs need space to cook evenly. A 4- to 8-quart capacity is ideal for most households, allowing you to fit 4–8 drumsticks without overcrowding.
- Temperature Range: Look for models that reach at least 400°F for crispy skin. Some offer lower settings (around 100°F) for marinating or dehydrating.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts save time. Avoid thin wire baskets that trap grease.
- Presets and Controls: Chicken-specific presets simplify cooking. Digital interfaces offer precision, while analog dials are user-friendly for beginners.
- Even Cooking: Powerful fans and well-designed baskets ensure consistent browning without flipping.
With these factors in mind, we tested dozens of models to find the ones that deliver perfectly cooked chicken legs every time. Our recommendations are backed by hands-on testing and insights from trusted sources like Good Housekeeping.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Chicken Legs in 2025
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus stands out as our top pick for chicken legs, thanks to its roomy 6-quart basket and stellar performance. In tests, it churned out golden, crispy drumsticks in just 20 minutes at 400°F, with juicy meat inside. The square basket maximizes space, fitting up to 6 legs in a single layer for even cooking. Its user-friendly touchscreen offers presets for chicken, fries, and more, plus a window and interior light to monitor progress without opening the basket. Cleanup is a breeze with a nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket.
Why It’s Great for Chicken Legs: The powerful fan ensures even crisping, and the “shake” reminder prompts you to toss the legs for perfect browning. It’s also budget-friendly when on sale.
User Feedback: “I’ve made chicken legs in this air fryer multiple times, and they come out crispy and delicious every time. So easy to clean too!” – Amazon Customer Review
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 DualZone 10-Quart Air Fryer
For families or meal preppers, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 is a powerhouse. Its dual 5-quart baskets let you cook chicken legs and sides simultaneously, with independent settings for each. In our tests, 8 drumsticks came out evenly crispy in 22 minutes, thanks to the ceramic nonstick coating and high fan speeds. The “Match Cook” feature syncs both baskets for larger batches, while the temperature probe ensures precise doneness.
Why It’s Great for Chicken Legs: The large capacity and dual baskets are perfect for cooking multiple legs or pairing with sides like fries.
User Feedback: “This air fryer is a game-changer for family dinners. Chicken legs come out perfectly crispy, and I can cook veggies at the same time!” – Amazon Customer Review
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze is a compact yet powerful option for small kitchens. Its 6-quart basket fits 4–6 chicken legs comfortably, and it delivered crispy, golden results in 18 minutes during testing. The digital interface includes 9 presets, including one for frozen foods, which is handy for pre-marinated drumsticks. The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless.
Why It’s Great for Chicken Legs: Its compact size doesn’t sacrifice performance, and the precise controls prevent overcooking.
User Feedback: “I love how easy this is to use. Chicken legs come out crispy without any oil, and it’s so quick!” – Amazon Customer Review
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
If you want a versatile appliance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro doubles as a toaster oven and air fryer. Its interior can handle up to 8 chicken legs or even a whole chicken. In tests, drumsticks were crispy and evenly browned in 25 minutes, thanks to the powerful convection fan. The digital controls and rotisserie accessory add versatility for roasting or tumbling fries.
Why It’s Great for Chicken Legs: The large cooking surface and multiple functions make it ideal for big batches or varied recipes.
User Feedback: “This oven does everything! Chicken legs are crispy and juicy, and I use it for baking too.” – Amazon Customer Review
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
The Philips 3000 Series is a budget-friendly gem that doesn’t skimp on quality. Its 3-quart basket is smaller but fits 4 drumsticks snugly, producing crispy skin in 20 minutes. The stainless-steel mesh tray reduces grease splatter, and the manual buttons are simple to use, even with greasy hands. It’s louder than some models but delivers consistent results.
Why It’s Great for Chicken Legs: Affordable and durable, it’s perfect for small households or solo cooks.
User Feedback: “This air fryer is so easy to use, and my chicken legs come out crispy every time. Great value!” – Amazon Customer Review
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-70
The Cuisinart TOA-70 is a compact oven-style air fryer that excels at multitasking. Its capacity fits 6–8 chicken legs, and it delivered crispy, golden results in 23 minutes. The analog dials are intuitive, and the air fry rack sits above a drip tray for easy cleanup. It’s not nonstick, so scrubbing is needed, but the performance is worth it.
Why It’s Great for Chicken Legs: The large rack and powerful fan ensure even cooking for bigger batches.
User Feedback: “I’ve made chicken legs in this, and they’re as good as deep-fried. Love the versatility!” – Amazon Customer Review
Where to Buy: Shop on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Chicken Legs
Selecting the right air fryer for chicken legs depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide:
Capacity and Size
Consider how many chicken legs you will cook at once. A 4–6-quart air fryer suits couples or small families, fitting 4–6 drumsticks. For larger households, opt for 8–10 quarts, which can handle 8–12 legs. Measure your counter space, as larger models like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 require more room. Ensure there’s clearance around the fryer for airflow, as advised by Better Homes & Gardens.
Cooking Performance
Look for models with strong fans and high temperatures (up to 450°F) for crispy skin. Presets for chicken or wings simplify cooking, but manual controls offer flexibility. Dual-basket models like the Ninja Foodi are great for multitasking, while single-basket fryers like the Cosori TurboBlaze are more compact.
Ease of Use
Digital touchscreens provide precision, but greasy fingers can make them tricky. Analog dials, like those on the Cuisinart TOA-70, are user-friendly. Features like windows, interior lights, or “shake” reminders enhance convenience.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Nonstick baskets, like those in the Instant Vortex Plus, reduce scrubbing. Dishwasher-safe parts save time, but hand-washing preserves coatings. Avoid wire baskets that trap grease, as noted in CNET’s air fryer guide.
Budget
Air fryers range from $50 to $ models like the Philips 3000 Series deliver solid performance, while premium options like the Breville Smart Oven offer versatility. Look for sales, especially around holidays, to snag deals.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer
- Prep: Pat legs dry and lightly oil for crispier skin. Season generously or marinate overnight.
- Arrange: Place legs in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation.
- Cook: Set to 380–400°F for 18–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest: Let legs rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Too many legs block airflow, leading to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the Flip: Turn legs halfway for even crisping, unless using a rotisserie.
- High Heat Only: Start at a lower temp (350°F) for 10 minutes, then crank to 400°F for crispiness.
- Ignoring Cleanup: Clean the basket after each use to prevent grease buildup.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
