Air-Fryer Leg Quarters: The Perfect Timing

Chicken leg quarters are a tasty, juicy, and easy-to-cook meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The cooking time and temperature vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the chicken quarters. The chicken is cooked at a temperature of between 380°F and 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken leg quarters can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to add flavor, and the skin is crispy and golden brown when done.

How long to cook leg quarters in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the outside of the chicken get nicely golden brown and crispy. While some recipes do not require preheating, it is recommended when cooking meat, especially if you want a crispy texture. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer when cooking chicken leg quarters is 400°F (204°C). This temperature will ensure that your chicken leg quarters cook evenly and efficiently.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400°F. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes, usually around 5 minutes, until it reaches the desired temperature. Some air fryers will have a preheat setting, while others may require you to manually set the temperature and wait for it to reach the desired level. It is important to refer to your air fryer's user manual to understand its specific preheating requirements.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken leg quarters. Start by brushing the chicken with oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil. You can also use an oil sprayer to ensure an even coating. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken leg quarters generously. This step will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and promote a crispy skin.

After oiling the chicken, it's time to season it. Combine your desired spices and herbs in a small bowl and mix well. You can use a classic blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, or even a BBQ rub. Once you have your spice blend ready, use your hands or a brush to rub the spices onto the chicken, ensuring an even coating.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F and your chicken leg quarters are prepared, you are ready to move on to the cooking stage. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket or tray, depending on the model, and set the cooking time and temperature according to your recipe. Remember to cook your chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F, using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Oil and season the chicken

To make juicy and flavourful chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, you'll need to oil and season the chicken before cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Oil the Chicken:

First, remove the chicken leg quarters from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle olive oil over it. You can also use avocado oil or any other cooking oil you prefer. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly on all sides. Using an oil sprayer or a non-stick cooking spray can help ensure an even coating without using too much oil.

Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl, prepare your seasoning blend. A simple blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder can work well. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavour. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled chicken and rub it evenly over both sides to ensure a thorough coating. If you have time, you can let the seasoned chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

While the chicken is resting, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

Cook the Chicken:

Once the air fryer is preheated and the chicken is seasoned, you're ready to cook. Place the chicken leg quarters into the air fryer basket, skin-side-down, ensuring they don't overlap. Now, you can follow the cooking instructions outlined in the previous paragraphs to achieve juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken leg quarters.

Cook for 20-25 minutes

Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a wholesome, juicy, and tasty meal. The whole process, from preparation to serving, can be done in under 30 minutes.

First, take the chicken leg quarters out of the refrigerator. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, coat the chicken leg quarters with olive oil or avocado oil on all sides. You can use an oil sprayer or brush to do this. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and make the skin crispier.

Next, season the chicken. You can use a classic blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with your own blend of spices and herbs. Try a BBQ rub, lemon herb, or Italian seasoning. You can also marinate the chicken in your favourite sauce or dressing, such as Italian dressing or teriyaki sauce, for an extra burst of flavour.

Now, you are ready to cook the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side-down, in a single layer. Make sure the two chicken quarters do not overlap. Set the air fryer at 380°F for 20-25 minutes. If you want the skin to be extra crispy, flip the chicken after 15 minutes of cooking time.

After 20-25 minutes, the internal temperature of the chicken should have reached 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check this. If the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes the skin crispier.

Your air fryer chicken leg quarters are now ready to be served! Enjoy the juicy and tender meat with crispy skin.

Flip the chicken after 15 minutes

When cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, it is important to flip the chicken after 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired level of crispiness on the skin.

To start, coat the chicken leg quarters with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. This step is optional, but it helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and can result in crispier skin. After coating the chicken with oil, apply your desired seasonings. A classic blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other spices and herbs, such as smoked paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.

Once the chicken is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket with the skin side down. Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and let the chicken cook for 15 minutes. Then, using tongs or a similar tool, carefully flip the chicken. It is important to use non-metal utensils to avoid scratching the surface of your air fryer.

After flipping the chicken, continue cooking for an additional 5-12 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the brand of your air fryer. To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, but some sources recommend cooking dark meat to 170-185°F for optimal juiciness.

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 2 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken leg quarters is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked properly and safe to eat. The internal temperature of the chicken leg quarters should reach 165°F to be safe to consume. This temperature is measured using a meat thermometer, which you should insert into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones, to get an accurate reading.

Different air fryer models and chicken sizes will affect the cooking time and temperature, so it is essential to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. Additionally, if you are cooking frozen chicken leg quarters, the cooking time will be longer, and you will need to adjust the temperature accordingly.

When checking the internal temperature, it is important to note that the chicken leg quarters should be removed from the air fryer when they reach the desired temperature. It is not recommended to rely on guesswork when it comes to food safety.

For those who prefer their chicken leg quarters with darker meat, it is suggested to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 170°F, as this will make the meat even juicier. However, this is not necessary for food safety and is simply a matter of personal preference.

Frequently asked questions