Here’s my go-to recipe for air fryer honey mustard chicken legs, featuring a sweet and tangy sauce that coats perfectly crispy skin. The combination of honey and mustard creates a flavor that reminds me of my favorite deli sandwiches, but in a dinner-worthy package.
These chicken legs have become my family’s regular weeknight request, especially on busy days when I need something quick but tasty. I often make a double batch because my kids always ask for seconds, and they’re just as good reheated the next day for lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken
- Quick and easy dinner – Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a reliable meal on the table fast.
- Budget-friendly meal – Chicken legs are one of the most affordable cuts of meat, and you’ll only need a few basic pantry ingredients to make this tasty dish.
- Kid-friendly flavor – The sweet and tangy honey mustard combo is a hit with kids and adults alike – no fancy or spicy ingredients that might put off picky eaters.
- Crispy skin – The air fryer gives you that wonderful crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender, without all the oil of deep frying.
- Simple ingredients – You only need 6 basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen right now.
What Kind of Chicken Drumsticks Should I Use?
For this air fryer recipe, you can use either fresh or frozen drumsticks, though fresh ones will give you the most reliable results. If you’re using frozen drums, make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. When shopping, look for drumsticks that are roughly the same size – this helps them cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still cooking. While both conventional and organic chicken legs will work great here, the most important thing is to check that the skin is intact and there aren’t any tears or blemishes, as the skin helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
Options for Substitutions
This simple recipe can work with several ingredient swaps if needed:
- Chicken drumsticks: While drumsticks are perfect for this recipe, you can use chicken thighs instead – just adjust cooking time by adding 2-3 minutes. Chicken wings work too, but reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
- Cooking oil: Any neutral oil works here – try vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. Even olive oil is fine, though it might add a slight flavor.
- Regular mustard: Yellow mustard is standard, but Dijon works great too. If using all Dijon, reduce the amount slightly as it’s stronger in flavor.
- Grainy mustard: No grainy mustard? Use extra regular mustard plus 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds if you have them. Or just double up on regular mustard – the texture will be different but still tasty.
- Honey: Maple syrup makes a good substitute, though you might need a bit less as it’s thinner. Agave nectar works too, using the same amount as honey.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest mistake when cooking chicken legs in an air fryer is overcrowding the basket, which prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking – arrange the drumsticks in a single layer with space between each piece. Another common error is not patting the chicken dry before seasoning, as excess moisture prevents the skin from getting crispy, so take an extra minute to thoroughly dry the legs with paper towels. The honey-mustard coating can burn quickly due to the honey’s high sugar content, so avoid adding the glaze too early – instead, brush it on during the last 5 minutes of cooking and watch carefully to prevent burning. For the juiciest results, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
What to Serve With Honey Mustard Chicken Legs?
These sweet and tangy chicken legs go perfectly with classic comfort food sides that can help soak up all that tasty honey mustard sauce. A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice makes an excellent base, while roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add nice color and nutrition to the plate. For a quick weeknight dinner, I love serving these with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or some crispy roasted potato wedges (which you can make right in the air fryer after the chicken is done!). If you’re feeding a crowd, add some warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These honey mustard chicken legs will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make great leftovers for lunch or dinner – I often make extra just to have them ready for busy weekdays!
Freeze: You can freeze these tasty drumsticks for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just make sure they’re completely cool before freezing. Pro tip: wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheat: To warm up your chicken legs, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the air fryer helps keep that nice outer texture. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 27-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 37-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 160-180 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons regular mustard
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 3-4 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
Start by tossing the chicken drumsticks with a drizzle of oil, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
This will help season the chicken and ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F in preparation for cooking the drumsticks.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 400°F for 25-27 minutes, making sure to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, mix together the mustards and honey to create a flavorful sauce or glaze.
The combination of the mustards with honey will create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Cooking the Chicken
After the initial cooking time, slather the chicken legs with half of the honey mustard sauce.
Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve the Chicken
Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and toss them with the remaining honey mustard sauce.
Serve the chicken legs hot with your favorite sides, enjoying the delicious sweet and tangy flavors!
