Description
Keto-friendly air fryer chicken legs deliver crispy, succulent results with minimal effort. Seasoned with herb-packed spices and cooked to golden perfection, this simple protein option satisfies keto dieters seeking delicious low-carb meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 chicken drumsticks (medium, 680 g / 1 ½ lbs)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened, 60 g)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp sea salt (divided)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Compound Butter Fusion: Blend softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sea salt using a fork until smooth and aromatic. Create a silky, herb-infused mixture.
- Skin Preparation: Gently separate chicken skin from meat, creating a delicate pocket. Massage compound butter underneath the skin, ensuring full coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
- Seasoning Technique: Generously coat chicken exterior with smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and additional sea salt. Distribute seasonings evenly for a robust flavor profile.
- Air Frying Process: Position drumsticks skin-side down in air fryer basket, maintaining single-layer spacing. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing perfectly crisp, juicy chicken legs.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat chicken legs completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin and prevent steaming instead of air frying.
- Butter Technique: Gently massage compound butter under skin for maximum flavor infusion and incredibly juicy meat that will elevate the entire dish.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked drumsticks.
- Skin Positioning: Cook initially skin-side down to help render fat and create deliciously crisp exterior with beautiful caramelization.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg