Cody Casey
Chicken quarters are a combination of the chicken thigh and leg, making them a fantastic option for a filling and satisfying meal. The dark meat is flavourful and tender, and when cooked in an air fryer, the meat is juicy and the skin is crispy. It is also a very affordable cut of meat. This method of cooking chicken quarters is super simple and quick, with only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Frying Chicken Quarters
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Under 30 minutes |
| Ease | Simple, minimal prep, minimal cleanup |
| Taste | Crispy skin, juicy and tender meat |
| Diet | Keto, paleo, Whole30, dairy-free, gluten-free |
| Chicken Part | Thigh, drumstick, part of the back |
| Chicken Type | Dark meat, higher in fat |
| Oil | Avocado, grapeseed, peanut, extra light olive oil |
| Spices | Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun spices, rosemary, thyme, parsley |
| Temperature | 380°F for 20-25 minutes or 400°F for 30-35 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F-185°F |
| Reheating | 350°F for 5-10 minutes |
| Storage | Airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to get crispy skin
To get crispy skin on your air-fried chicken quarters, follow these steps:
Firstly, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding any oil or spices. This is an important step to ensure the skin crisps up during cooking.
Next, brush or spray the chicken with oil. Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil are all good options as they have high smoke points, which is necessary for air frying.
Then, season the chicken. A simple seasoning of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder will do, but you can also add Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a kick. The spices will give the chicken a great flavour and a gorgeous colour.
Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes. If you want the skin to be extra crispy, flip the chicken after 15 minutes.
Finally, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain moisture and allow the skin to crisp up even further.
Enjoy your juicy, tender, and crispy-skinned air-fried chicken quarters!
Washing Air Fryer in Dishwasher: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.99 $11.99
What oil to use
When cooking chicken quarters in an air fryer, you should use an oil with a high smoke point, as air fryers cook at high temperatures. Oils with low smoke points, such as extra virgin olive oil, should be avoided as they will smoke at lower temperatures, causing food to dry out quickly and preventing it from crisping up.
Extra light olive oil is a good option for air-fried chicken as it has a high smoke point and can tolerate high temperatures. Avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oil are also suitable for cooking chicken in an air fryer, as they will help you achieve crispy skin.
You can also use vegetable oil or regular olive oil when cooking chicken in an air fryer. Combine the oil with your choice of seasoning in a bowl and toss the chicken in the mixture before placing it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.
If you are cooking breaded chicken, you can spray the chicken with oil each time you flip it to ensure it is coated well and there are no dry spots. For the best results, use a small spray bottle to lightly spray the chicken as needed.
Samsung's Air Fryer Ovens: The Ultimate Kitchen Upgrade
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How long to cook for
The cooking time for chicken quarters in an air fryer depends on the temperature and the number of chicken quarters being cooked. It is recommended to cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes for up to two large chicken quarters. Flip the chicken quarters after 15 minutes for extra crispy skin. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
If you are cooking from frozen, it is recommended to first cook the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes at 360°F to thaw, and then add the seasoning and continue to cook at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.
If you are reheating cooked chicken quarters, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Air-Fryer Catfish Nuggets: Frozen to Crispy in Minutes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to reheat chicken quarters
Chicken quarters are a combination of the chicken thigh, drumstick, and part of the back. They are a juicy and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer from fresh or reheated.
To reheat chicken quarters in an air fryer, first, let the meat come to room temperature. This will help the chicken reheat more evenly. Then, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or cooking spray to help retain moisture and crispiness. Place the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping, and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces with tongs after the first few minutes, and continue to reheat for another few minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. The total reheating time will depend on the size of the chicken quarters and the type of air fryer you are using. To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
You can also reheat chicken quarters in the oven or on a stovetop, but the air fryer is a quick and effective method that locks in moisture and keeps the outer skin crispy.
Air Fryer Safety: Age Limits and Guidelines
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to serve with chicken quarters
Chicken leg quarters are a combination of the chicken thigh and drumstick, with a piece of the back or thigh and leg joint. They are considered dark meat and are highly regarded as being the most flavorful parts of a chicken. They are very forgiving when it comes to cooking and are perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Chicken leg quarters are typically seasoned with a spice rub and cooked in an air fryer or oven. The spice rub typically includes Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. The chicken is then cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender.
Now, what to serve with chicken quarters? Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement the juicy, flavorful chicken leg quarters:
- Vegetables: Chicken and veggies is a classic combination. You can sauté eggplant, air fry cauliflower, or make patty pan squash. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a mix of broccoli and cauliflower are also great options.
- Potatoes: For a comforting side dish, make Instant Pot sweet potatoes or Greek lemon potatoes. Buttery air fryer potatoes are also a simple, kid-friendly option.
- Salads: For a lighter meal, pair the chicken with a creamy cucumber salad, earthy beet salad, or simple arugula salad.
- Carbohydrates: You can also serve the chicken with carbohydrates like rice, quinoa, or bread.
- Other sides: Some other options include roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob.
Air-Fried Churros: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes 20-25 minutes to cook chicken quarters in an air fryer at 380°F.
Set your air fryer to 380°F. If you are cooking from frozen, you can first cook the chicken for 5-8 minutes at this temperature to thaw, and then add the seasoning and increase the temperature to 400°F.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasoning. You can also flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time so that the skin is up for the final half of the cooking process.
Let the chicken cool, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
