Marianne Martinez
Chicken leg quarters are a tasty, juicy, and easy-to-cook meal that can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for cooking chicken as it moves hot air rapidly around the food, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat. The cooking time for chicken leg quarters in an air fryer varies depending on the model and the thickness of the chicken, but on average, it takes around 20-25 minutes to cook at 380°F. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat, but some sources recommend cooking dark meat to 170°F or 185°F for optimal juiciness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Temperature | 380-400°F |
| Flip Time | After 15 minutes |
| Rest Time | 2-5 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165-170°F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil |
| Clean-up | Use aluminum foil on the bottom tray for easier clean-up |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for chicken leg quarters in an air fryer depend on the size of the chicken leg quarters and the type of air fryer being used.
If you are using an oven-style air fryer, it may take longer to cook the chicken leg quarters. Similarly, if you are cooking larger chicken leg quarters, they will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
Chicken leg quarters can be cooked in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 380°F to 400°F. It is recommended that you preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes. The cooking time can range from 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken leg quarters and the model of the air fryer.
For example, if you are cooking two chicken leg quarters that are 1.5 pounds total at 400°F, it will take about 20-25 minutes. On the other hand, if you are cooking frozen chicken leg quarters, it will take longer, as you will first need to air fry them for 5-8 minutes to thaw them before adding the seasoning and continuing to cook.
It is important to note that the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F, but some sources recommend cooking dark meat to at least 170°F to make it extra juicy. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken leg quarters to ensure they are cooked properly.
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Seasoning and flavouring
Chicken leg quarters are a favourite for many, and for good reason. They are easy to make, juicy, tender, and perfect for customising with your favourite seasonings and flavours.
To start, you can coat the chicken leg quarters in oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. This helps the seasonings stick and gets the skin more crispy. Then, it's time to season. A classic blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is always a good choice, but you can also get creative with different seasonings and spices. For a herby flavour, try Italian seasoning with basil, oregano, and thyme. Or, for a zesty kick, combine fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. If you're feeling spicy, add a touch of cayenne pepper to your blend. You can also try a classic BBQ rub or marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or teriyaki sauce for an extra burst of flavour.
Once you've seasoned the chicken, it's ready to go into the air fryer. But don't forget to let it rest for at least 2 to 5 minutes before serving to let the juices settle and allow the skin to crisp up even more.
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Chicken preparation
Defrosting
If you are starting with frozen chicken leg quarters, place them in the air fryer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until they are mostly thawed.
Seasoning
Take the chicken leg quarters out of the refrigerator. You can season the chicken with a variety of spices and herbs. For example, you can use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also marinate the chicken in your favourite sauce or dressing, such as Italian dressing or teriyaki sauce. Brush the chicken with oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to help the seasonings stick and to make the skin crispy.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Make sure the two chicken quarters do not overlap. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Resting
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 2 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and makes the skin crisp up more.
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Resting and serving
Once your chicken leg quarters are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 2 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and helps the skin to crisp up. It's important to note that the chicken will continue to cook during this resting period, so it's best to remove it from the air fryer when it's a few degrees away from your desired temperature.
While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or garnishes to serve with your meal. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers go well with chicken leg quarters. You can also add starches like baked potatoes, rice pilaf, or sweet potato fries. A mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing would also complement the chicken well.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can use the leftover chicken in various dishes, such as taco bowls, soups, or salads.
When serving the chicken leg quarters, you can keep the skin on or remove it before serving. Some people prefer to remove the skin to reduce the fat content, while others enjoy the crispy texture and flavor it adds to the dish. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.
Air fryer chicken leg quarters are a quick, easy, and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. They are juicy and tender, with a crispy skin that is golden brown. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
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Cooking from frozen
Cooking chicken leg quarters from frozen is simple and straightforward. First, place the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes until they are mostly thawed. You can then add your chosen seasoning rub and return the chicken to the air fryer.
The total cooking time will be longer than if the chicken is thawed, so it is best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, although some sources suggest cooking the chicken to 170°F for extra juicy dark meat. If you are cooking from frozen, add an extra 10-20 minutes to the cooking time.
When cooking chicken leg quarters, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If the basket is overcrowded, the chicken will not cook evenly. It is also recommended to start with the skin side down and flip the chicken after 15 minutes to achieve golden brown, crispy skin.
One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F and coating the chicken with avocado oil and a spice rub before placing it in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes. However, other sources suggest cooking the chicken at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 20-25 minutes to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you want the skin to be extra crispy, flip the chicken after 15 minutes of cooking time.
Coat the chicken leg quarters in oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or cayenne.
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. If you are cooking from frozen, cook for 5-8 minutes at 360°F until the chicken is mostly thawed, then season and continue cooking as directed.
