The 33-year-old became the Fox’s oldest European goalscorer after scoring an on-site goal in a 2-1 win
Hamza Choudhury’s strike also helped Leicester maintain their 100% start in Group G
Muamer Tankovic scored after the break to make it an anxious evening before missing a golden chance to make it 2-2
Cengiz Under hit the bar but the Foxes survived improved second half performance from the hosts
They remain in the lead with Braga, who beat Zorya Luhansk, with the Portuguese side going to King Power Stadium next week
Marko Livaja wasted a good chance at AEK and although Leicester failed to find the best equipment they had enough to win
The Foxes still cheered on AEK at the start and Petros Mantalos skied well after 12 minutes, but the visitors took the lead soon after
James Maddison drove far from the edge of the box before Brendan Rodgers’ side made the breakthrough after 18 minutes
The striker rose to score on the spot and beat Tsintotas with sheer power, with the goalkeeper putting two hands on the ball
AEK had lost just once in their previous 23 home games, but Leicester pushed for a second and Under’s effort was blocked by Tsintotas
Michalis Bakakis hoisted the ball into the area after Leicester half cleared a free kick and the Foxes’ defense allowed Livaja to escape with Schmeichel returning the striker’s head
A minute later, Livaja moved closer again when he held onto Wes Morgan’s loose touch, only to slide his shot away from the edge of the box
Leicester, without injured Tim Castagne and Jonny Evans, sometimes seemed fragile at the back but still doubled their lead six minutes before the break
Tsintotas knocked down Marc Albrighton’s cross behind and Choudhury was not scored at the far post to shoot into Maddison’s corner
But AEK struck out a goal four minutes into the restart when Tankovic ran behind Morgan to grab onto Mandalos’ beautiful pass and shoot Schmeichel in the legs
Seconds later, the substitute wasted a brilliant chance to make it 2-2 when he crashed after another smart ball from Mandalos
Tsintotas reversed Choudhury’s tame shot and Under almost did it 3-1 after 64 minutes when he ran on Albrighton’s ball to curl up against the bar from inside the box, but the threat des Foxes was limited as half time progressed
Vardy was pulled 20 minutes from time and the visitors held on for an invaluable victory
Leicester City FC, AEK Athens FC, UEFA Europa League, Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel
World news – GB – Jamie Vardy scores on spot as Leicester win in Athens