Zesty Pepper Chicken Legs
Zesty Pepper Chicken Legs are juicy air fryer drumsticks seasoned with coarse black pepper, garlic, and fresh lemon zest. Baking powder helps create crisp golden skin while the dark chicken meat stays tender and flavorful.
Equipment
- Fine grater
- Plate
- Small bowl
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground and coarse
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 chicken drumsticks 4 ounces each
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Combine the black pepper, baking powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken drumsticks on a plate and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Season the drumsticks with kosher salt before cooking.
- Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket with the bone ends pointing upward.
- Air fry at 190°C for about 30 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Transfer the drumsticks to a serving platter.
- Finely grate the lemon zest over the hot chicken.
- Cut the lemon into wedges.
- Serve the drumsticks warm with the lemon wedges.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Refrigerating the seasoned drumsticks for at least 1 hour helps dry the surface of the chicken. Together with the baking powder, this helps the skin become crisp during air frying. For even better results, season the drumsticks the evening before cooking and refrigerate them overnight. Check the thickest part of each drumstick before serving. The internal temperature should reach at least 74°C. Add the fresh lemon zest immediately after cooking. The heat releases the aromatic oils from the zest and gives the chicken a fresh citrus finish.Storage Advice
Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C for 5 to 7 minutes until thoroughly hot and crisp. Cooked drumsticks can also be frozen for up to 2 months.Wine Advice
A fresh Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the lemon, garlic, and coarse black pepper. Its lively acidity balances the richness of the dark chicken meat and complements the fresh citrus flavor.Nutrition values
Serving: 115 gr | Calories: 175 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 2.5 g | Sodium: 330 mg | Sugar: 0 g