Craving crispy, flavorful chicken without the dairy? These Dairy-Free Air Fried Chicken Legs are the perfect healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken! Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these chicken legs are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and bold spices like paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Prepared in just 10 minutes and air-fried to golden perfection in under 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. Enjoy these guilt-free chicken legs with a side of fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce for a wholesome, dairy-free dinner everyone will love! Keywords: dairy-free fried chicken, air fryer chicken legs, healthy fried chicken, easy chicken recipe.
Start by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.
Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl or a sealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each leg is well coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes while the chicken marinates.
Arrange the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap, which allows for even cooking.
Air fry the chicken legs at 380°F (193°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on all sides.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired and serve the chicken legs with your choice of side dishes or a fresh salad.
Calories |
959 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.7 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 336 mg | 112% | |
| Sodium | 2219 mg | 96% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.5 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 90.0 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 83 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 1049 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.