Elevate your weeknight meals with these High Protein Air Fried Chicken Legs—an easy, healthy, and irresistibly crispy dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition! Featuring a zesty Greek yogurt marinade infused with lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, this recipe ensures tender, juicy chicken legs with a deliciously golden crust. Using the air fryer means less oil and faster cooking, making it a guilt-free indulgence that's rich in protein and perfect for busy schedules. Ready in just 25 minutes of cook time, this crowd-pleasing chicken recipe is ideal for meal prep or a quick family dinner. Pair them with your favorite sides for a wholesome, mouthwatering meal!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to create a thick marinade.
Add the chicken legs to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated chicken legs in the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly to allow air to circulate around each piece for even cooking.
Cook the chicken legs in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
The chicken legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your high-protein, crispy air-fried chicken legs!
Calories |
936 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.4 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 459 mg | 153% | |
| Sodium | 2851 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 93.9 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 161 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1194 mg | 25% | |
*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.