Chicken Legs with Garlic, Parmesan, and Cilantro Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken legs (Make several shallow cuts in them so they absorb the seasoning better.)
• Favorite spices (To taste; you can use paprika, pepper, garlic powder, or other chicken seasonings.)
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (For seasoning the chicken.)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Add to the chicken along with the spices and oil.)
• 2 tbsp Butter (For preparing the finishing sauce.)
• 3 dientes Garlic (Chopped or finely crushed.)
• 30 g Parmesan cheese (Grated.)
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (Chopped, to stir into the sauce and finish the dish.)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make several shallow cuts in the thickest part of each piece; do not cut all the way through to separate the meat from the bone.

2. 2

   Place the chicken in a bowl and add your favorite spices. Rub the spices well over the entire surface and into the cuts.

3. 3

   Add the vegetable oil and soy sauce. Mix and massage the legs until they are completely coated. If you have time, let them rest for 10 minutes so they absorb more flavor.

4. 4

   Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C / 400 °F for 3 minutes. Arrange the legs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them so the air can circulate.

5. 5

   Cook the legs at 200 °C / 400 °F for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through. They are ready when golden brown and when they reach 74 °C / 165 °F in the thickest part, without touching the bone.

6. 6

   While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Do not let it burn; it should be liquid and slightly foamy.

7. 7

   Add the chopped garlic to the butter and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and just lightly golden.

8. 8

   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped cilantro. Stir until a fragrant, slightly thick sauce forms; remove from the heat.

9. 9

   When the legs are golden and fully cooked, transfer them to a plate or leave them in the basket. Pour the butter, garlic, Parmesan, and cilantro sauce over them.

10. 10

    Serve immediately, ideally with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

The original recipe does not specify exact amounts of chicken, spices, oil, soy sauce, or the sauce ingredients; the listed quantities are estimates for four legs. Adjust the salt carefully, since the soy sauce and Parmesan already add saltiness.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• chicken
• air fryer
• quick
• dinner
• high-protein
• with cheese
• easy