Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken leg quarters are a cheap, tasty, and healthy dinner option. They are the part of the chicken where the leg and thigh are attached, and they are known for being moist and juicy. You can cook them in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, and they come out with a nice, golden, crispy skin.

How to get crispy skin

To get crispy skin on your chicken leg quarters, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, clean and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the skin crisp up. Next, coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. This will help the seasonings stick and make the skin crispier. Speaking of seasonings, a generous amount of spices will not only add flavour but also contribute to the crispiness of the skin. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and ground mustard seed. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl and then rub them onto the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.

Now, it's time to cook the chicken in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 370°F and 400°F for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. This is important—starting skin-side down and finishing skin-side up will give you the best crispy skin. Air fry the chicken for about 10 minutes, then flip it and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 170°F. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken leg quarters, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, and you may find that the skin crisps up even more during this time. And that's it! You now have crispy-skinned, juicy and tender chicken leg quarters cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

How long to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Chicken leg quarters are a great option for a cheap, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner. They're also incredibly versatile and can be cooked from fresh or frozen.

How Long to Cook Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for fresh chicken leg quarters in an air fryer depends on the number of chicken leg quarters you are cooking, the temperature of the air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.

If you are cooking two chicken leg quarters in an air fryer at 400°F, it will take around 30-35 minutes. Start by cooking the chicken skin-side down for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.

If you are cooking four chicken leg quarters in an air fryer at 370°F, it will take around 20-25 minutes. Start by cooking the chicken skin-side down for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to 175°F. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check this.

How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters in an Air Fryer

If you are cooking frozen chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, the cooking time will be longer.

First, place the frozen chicken leg quarters in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 5-8 minutes until they are mostly thawed.

Then, remove them from the air fryer and season as desired. Return the chicken to the air fryer and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 175°F. This will likely take an additional 15-20 minutes.

Again, it is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Leg Quarters in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the skin get crispy.
• Use a high smoke point neutral oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to help the seasonings stick and to get the skin crispy.
• Let the chicken rest for 2-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and for the skin to crisp up further.
• If you are cooking more than three chicken leg quarters, consider using an alternative method, such as baking, to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• If using fresh herbs, remove them from the air fryer halfway through the cooking time to prevent burning.
• For extra crispy skin, place the chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
• For juicy chicken, leave the skin on during cooking.
• For even cooking, ensure the air fryer is preheated and do not overcrowd the basket.
• Use a generous amount of seasonings to avoid bland meat.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken in multiple places, avoiding the bones, to ensure it is fully cooked.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Leftover chicken leg quarters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave.

If you're using the air fryer or oven, it is recommended to heat the chicken leg quarters at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For the stovetop, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. For the microwave, cover the chicken with plastic wrap and heat for 1 minute, checking and repeating until it is hot.

When reheating, it is best to use a lower heat setting and add a small amount of liquid (water or broth) to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also spritz the chicken with a bit of cooking spray or brush with melted butter and finish with a short blast under the broiler to crisp up the skin.

Chicken leg quarters: what are they?

Chicken leg quarters are a cost-effective and flavourful cut of meat. They include both the thigh and drumstick, connected in a single piece. They are a great option for a simple, tasty, and affordable meal.

Chicken leg quarters are a great option for those who want to make the most of their money when shopping for chicken. They are usually sold with the skin on, which can be removed before or after cooking, depending on your preference. The skin can be easily removed by pulling it off with your fingers or using kitchen shears.

Chicken leg quarters are a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be baked in the oven, roasted in an air fryer, or even grilled. When cooking chicken leg quarters, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 175°F for the juiciest results. This can be checked using an instant-read thermometer.

Chicken leg quarters are a great option for those who want a simple, tasty, and affordable meal. They are a good source of protein and can be paired with a variety of sides, such as vegetables, potatoes, or salads.

Overall, chicken leg quarters are a practical, tasty, and affordable option for those looking to cook with chicken. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making them a versatile option for any home cook.

How to season chicken leg quarters

Chicken leg quarters are a great, cost-effective option for a delicious meal. They are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken leg quarters before cooking them in the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the skin get crispy during the cooking process. You can also choose to remove the skin before seasoning and cooking, but leaving the skin on adds flavour and moisture to the meat.

Step 2: Choose Your Oil

Coating the chicken leg quarters with oil helps the seasonings stick to the meat and also promotes a crispy skin. You can use a variety of oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. Brush or spray the oil onto the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Step 3: Select Your Seasonings

Now comes the fun part—choosing your seasonings! You can go as simple as salt and pepper or get creative with different blends. Here are some seasoning options to consider:

• Basic blend: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Spicy blend: Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Herb blend: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Custom blend: Make your own magic seasoning salt by combining kosher salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional).

Step 4: Apply the Seasonings

Once you've chosen your seasonings, it's time to apply them to the chicken. You can sprinkle the seasonings directly over the chicken or mix them with the oil in a small bowl first and then brush or rub the mixture onto the chicken. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated and the seasonings are rubbed into the meat.

Step 5: Let it Rest

After seasoning, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb into the meat. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of your chicken leg quarters.

Step 6: Cook in the Air Fryer

Finally, it's time to cook your seasoned chicken leg quarters in the air fryer! Place them into the air fryer basket, following the specific instructions for your air fryer model, and cook until they are cooked through and the skin is crispy.

Remember, these are just guidelines—feel free to experiment with different oils, seasonings, and cooking methods to find what works best for your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned chicken leg quarters!

Frequently asked questions