Description
Louisiana-inspired keto chicken legs bring bold Cajun spices to your air fryer with minimal effort. Crispy, zesty drumsticks deliver maximum flavor while keeping carbs low, making you feel like a culinary champion without complex cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 medium chicken drumsticks (680 grams / 1 ½ pounds)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fat:
- 60 grams / ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 380°F (193°C) and allowing it to warm up for 5 minutes. Thoroughly blot the chicken drumsticks with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Create a flavor-packed compound butter by combining softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, and of sea salt in a small mixing bowl. Use a fork to blend the ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Carefully loosen the skin from each chicken drumstick by gently sliding your hand underneath, creating a pocket between the skin and meat. Distribute a generous portion of the prepared compound butter evenly under the skin, massaging it gently to ensure complete coverage.
- Season the exterior of the chicken drumsticks by sprinkling smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining of salt across the skin surface, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, positioning them skin-side down. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the drumsticks and continue air frying for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Notes
- Create a barrier between skin and raw meat by patting drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to maximize crispy exterior texture.
- Gently slide softened butter underneath chicken skin for deep moisture and rich flavor penetration during air frying.
- Arrange drumsticks with generous spacing to allow hot air circulation, preventing steaming and promoting golden-brown crunchiness.
- Rotate chicken pieces midway through cooking cycle to guarantee uniform browning and consistent heat distribution.
- Verify internal temperature reaches safe 165°F using instant-read meat thermometer at thickest part of drumstick for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 2016mg
- Fat: 14.7g
- Saturated Fat: 47.6g
- Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 13.5g
- Cholesterol: 707mg