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

Chicken leg quarters are a cheap, tasty, and healthy dinner option. They are also versatile and can be cooked in an air fryer or oven. The air fryer, however, is a healthier option and takes less time. To cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 400°F, coat the chicken in oil and seasoning, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

How to get the skin extra crispy

There are several methods to ensure your chicken leg quarters come out of the air fryer with extra crispy skin.

Firstly, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help the skin to crisp up. You can also coat the chicken in a little bit of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

When cooking, place the chicken legs skin-side-down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

If you want to remove the skin, it is easier to do so after cooking. Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes, then use your fingers to pull off the skin. It will come off easily, and you can use clean kitchen shears for any bits that are stuck.

If you want to keep the skin on, but make it extra crispy, you can cook the chicken for an additional 4 minutes after flipping.

How to store and reheat leftovers

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

To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but the skin will be softer.

You can also freeze cooked chicken leg quarters. Place them in a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to cook frozen chicken leg quarters

Chicken leg quarters are a budget-friendly, versatile protein that can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Firstly, you can choose to remove the skin from the chicken leg quarters, although this is not necessary. If you would like to remove the skin, you can either do it before or after cooking the chicken. To remove the skin before cooking, use your hands to grip and pull the skin off, and use kitchen shears to snip off any parts that are stuck to the meat or bone. If you want to remove the skin after cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then use your fingers to pull off the skin—it should come off easily.

Next, coat the chicken leg quarters in a little bit of oil. You can use an oil sprayer for this, or simply drizzle and rub the oil over the chicken.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Now it's time to season the chicken. You can use any combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simply sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken, or rub them in with some olive oil for a more intense flavour.

Step 3: Air fry the chicken

Place the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. If your chicken doesn't have skin, put it in the basket with the more rounded side down. Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping, with a little space between them to allow for airflow.

Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 15 minutes. Finally, flip the chicken again and cook for a further 5 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 30 minutes.

Step 4: Check the temperature

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F, although you may prefer to cook it for longer, especially if the chicken quarters are large. Some people like to cook their chicken to an internal temperature of 185°F.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to season the chicken

Now, onto the fun part: seasoning! There are so many ways to season chicken leg quarters, and you can get as creative as you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spices and Seasonings

A blend of spices and seasonings is a great way to add flavour to your chicken. You can use a pre-made blend, like Italian seasoning, or make your own. Here are some spices and seasonings that work well with chicken:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground mustard seed
• Dried thyme

Herb Seasonings

If you're looking for a more herby flavour profile, you can use dried or fresh herbs to season your chicken. Here are some options:

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Basil

Marinades

Another option is to create a marinade for your chicken. This will add moisture and flavour to the meat. Try mixing together some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of spices and herbs. Let the chicken leg quarters sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight, then cook according to the instructions above.

Brining

Brining is a great way to add moisture and flavour to chicken. To make a basic brine, combine water, salt, sugar, and your choice of spices and herbs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool. Submerge the chicken leg quarters in the brine and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry, and cook according to the instructions above.

Butter

For an extra indulgent option, try using butter as your base for seasonings. Simply melt some butter and brush it over the chicken leg quarters before applying your chosen seasonings. This will add richness and flavour to the meat.

How to choose the right temperature

Choosing the right temperature for your air fryer chicken leg quarters is important to ensure the best results. While specific temperatures and timings may vary depending on the size of the chicken leg quarters and the model of the air fryer, here are some general guidelines to help you select the appropriate temperature.

Firstly, preheating the air fryer is recommended, especially when cooking meat. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. This helps to ensure even cooking and browning of the chicken.

The cooking temperature for chicken leg quarters in the air fryer typically ranges from 360°F to 400°F. A higher temperature, such as 400°F, is often used to achieve a crispy skin and a juicy texture. However, it is important to note that air fryers tend to cook food more quickly than a regular oven. Therefore, you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the chicken.

For instance, if you are cooking at 400°F, you might cook the chicken leg quarters for 20 minutes on one side and then flip them over and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly.

It is always a good idea to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bones, to get an accurate reading. This will help you determine if the chicken is cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the size of the chicken leg quarters can impact the cooking time. Smaller or thinner pieces may cook faster, while larger or thicker pieces may require additional time. Adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly without drying out.

In summary, selecting the right temperature for air fryer chicken leg quarters involves preheating the air fryer, choosing a temperature between 360°F and 400°F, and adjusting the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific model of the air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions