Air-Frying Chicken Leg Quarters: Is It Possible?

Chicken leg quarters are a versatile, tasty, and affordable cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer. The skinless variety is also available, but chicken leg quarters with the skin on are juicier and can be made crispy. The chicken is seasoned with a spice rub and cooked for 20-25 minutes at 380-400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air around the chicken leg quarters makes for a crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.

Cooking Chicken Leg Quarters in an Air Fryer

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a straightforward process. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of the chicken leg quarters, the model of the air fryer, and whether the chicken is fresh or frozen.

If you are cooking from frozen, place the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until they are mostly thawed. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and season with a rub of your choice. Return the chicken to the air fryer and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will take longer than if the chicken was fresh, so it is best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.

If you are cooking fresh chicken leg quarters, the cooking time will be around 20 to 25 minutes, or 30 minutes if you include the time taken to preheat the air fryer and let the cooked chicken rest. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F to 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Do not overlap the chicken quarters. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 170°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the chicken leg quarters. Always refer to the manual for your specific air fryer model for accurate cooking times and temperatures.

Using frozen chicken leg quarters

Chicken leg quarters are a budget-friendly source of protein that can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen. The cooking time will be longer than if the chicken is thawed, but it is still a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and tender dish with a crispy skin.

To cook frozen chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, brush a marinade made from oil and spices on both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket skin-side-up and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken again and cook for a final 5 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should be at least 165°F. If it is not, cook the chicken for another 5 minutes and check again. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

You can use olive oil or avocado oil and season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne for a spicy kick.

It is important to note that you should not crowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one or two chicken leg quarters in at a time.

Preparing the chicken for cooking

Pat the Chicken Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the chicken leg quarters dry. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasonings adhere better to the surface of the chicken.

Coat with Oil:

Brush or spray the chicken leg quarters with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or even an oil spray. Coating the chicken with oil helps the seasonings stick and also promotes a crispier skin. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.

Season Generously:

In a small bowl, combine your desired seasonings. A basic combination includes salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and turmeric powder. Mix the spices together, and then rub them onto the chicken generously, ensuring the entire surface is coated. You can also let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavour.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F. Preheating ensures that the outside of the chicken gets golden brown and crispy. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Make sure the chicken pieces do not overlap, as this can affect cooking and browning. If you are cooking more than two chicken leg quarters, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set the Timer and Temperature:

Depending on the size of your chicken leg quarters and the model of your air fryer, set the timer and temperature accordingly. For smaller chicken leg quarters (around 10 ounces each), cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For larger pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

Spices and seasonings

One popular approach is to use Italian seasoning, a blend of herbs that pairs well with chicken. You can either make your own Italian seasoning at home or purchase a ready-made blend from a store. This herb blend typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and other dried herbs, adding a savoury and slightly earthy flavour to the chicken.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, incorporating smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper creates a savoury and slightly smoky profile. Smoked paprika, in particular, lends a subtle smokiness that complements the other spices. Alternatively, you can experiment with other spice blends, such as Cajun seasoning, Jerk seasoning, or Montreal Chicken/Steak seasoning, each offering its unique flavour profile.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even create your own custom spice rub. For instance, a blend of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, and a splash of lemon juice will add a zesty kick to your chicken leg quarters. This combination brightens up the dish and provides a well-rounded flavour profile.

When seasoning chicken leg quarters for the air fryer, it is essential to coat the chicken pieces evenly on all sides. This ensures that every bite has a burst of flavour. Additionally, allowing the chicken to rest after seasoning and before cooking helps the meat absorb the spices and seasonings, resulting in a more intense taste experience.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique combinations. Spices and seasonings are a great way to make your air-fried chicken leg quarters truly yours.

Resting and serving

Resting the chicken is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy. It also gives the chicken time to cool down slightly, which helps to crisp up the skin. Depending on the source, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for at least 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F before serving.

During the resting period, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with the chicken. Some suggested side dishes include roast potatoes, baby potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or a salad for a light and refreshing meal.

When the chicken has rested and you are ready to serve, it is best to slice it before serving. This makes it easier for people to serve themselves and ensures that everyone gets an equal portion. You can also leave the chicken leg quarters whole and let people cut them themselves, but this may result in uneven sizes and longer wait times.

Chicken leg quarters are very versatile and can be served in many different ways. You can simply season them with salt and pepper, or get creative with different spices and herbs. Some popular seasoning options include Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and lemon juice.

You can also serve chicken leg quarters with a variety of sauces or dips. For example, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a simple side of ketchup. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own sauce or dip to pair with the chicken.

Don't forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F until warm.

Frequently asked questions