Marianne Martinez
Chicken leg quarters are a combination of the chicken thigh and drumstick, and they are a fantastic option for a filling and satisfying meal. They are also usually the most affordable cuts. Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is super simple and quick. The chicken is juicy and tender, with a crispy skin, and is ready in less than 30 minutes.
How to Cook Chicken Leg Quarter in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 380°F - 400°F |
| Cook Time | 20-35 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F - 185°F |
| Rest Time | 2-5 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, lemon juice, Italian seasoning |
| Chicken Leg Quarters | Skin on, pat dry |
| Serving Size | 1 leg quarter |
| Calories | 381kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F, you ensure that your chicken leg quarters will cook evenly and efficiently. This step also helps to reduce the overall cooking time, as your air fryer is already at the desired temperature when you place the chicken inside.
To preheat your air fryer, start by turning it on and setting the temperature to 380-400°F. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn't, simply set it to the desired temperature and wait for it to heat up.
While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken leg quarters. Start by patting them dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes crispy skin. You can also use this time to prepare your spice blend and coat the chicken.
Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can place the chicken leg quarters inside and begin cooking. It's important to note that you should not crowd the air fryer basket. Place the chicken quarters in a single layer, leaving some space around them for the hot air to circulate.
Preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F is a crucial step in achieving juicy and tender chicken leg quarters with crispy skin. By allowing your air fryer to reach the desired temperature before adding the chicken, you ensure more efficient and even cooking.
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Pat the chicken dry and coat with oil
Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to remove any excess moisture from the chicken's surface, promoting even browning and a crispier skin.
Next, you'll want to coat the chicken leg quarters with oil. You can use a variety of oils for this purpose, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or even cooking spray. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its ability to help the seasonings stick and promote a crispy skin. Use a brush to apply the oil evenly on all sides of the chicken, or add the chicken quarters to a bowl with the oil and spice blend, tossing until evenly coated.
When it comes to the amount of oil, a little goes a long way. A light coating is all you need to achieve that crispy texture and enhance the flavor of the chicken. This step also helps the seasonings adhere better to the chicken, ensuring a more flavorful dish.
If you're using an oil with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil, you may want to preheat it in the air fryer first before coating the chicken. This initial heating step can help the oil better withstand the high temperatures of air frying without smoking or breaking down.
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Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices
Seasoning is a crucial step in cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer. It infuses the chicken with flavour and can be as simple or creative as you like.
Start by patting the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the chicken. Next, brush or coat all sides of the chicken with olive oil. Olive oil is a great choice as it helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes crispy skin. You can also use avocado oil or cooking spray if you prefer.
Now it's time to add the seasonings. A blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is a classic and delicious option. You can also include other spices and herbs to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice all pair well with chicken. If you want a simple spice blend, you can mix equal parts of these spices with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you can experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs, such as Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spices, rosemary, or thyme.
If you want a more precise measurement for your seasonings, try mixing them with the olive oil in a medium-sized bowl before coating the chicken. This ensures that the chicken is evenly and thoroughly coated in the seasoning mixture. You can also add the chicken to the bowl and toss it in the mixture until it is evenly coated.
Finally, don't forget to season with salt. While you can be creative with your spice blends, salt is essential to bringing out the flavours of the other seasonings and enhancing the natural flavour of the chicken.
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Cook the chicken for 15 minutes skin-side down, then flip and cook for another 5-15 minutes
Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a straightforward process, but it's important to get the timing and temperature right to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
After seasoning the chicken and arranging it in the air fryer basket skin-side-down, it's time to start cooking. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the chicken leg quarters for 15 minutes. This initial cooking time allows the skin to start crisping up and the juices to seal in.
Once the 15 minutes are up, it's time to flip the chicken. Use tongs to carefully turn the chicken over, being careful not to tear the skin. This will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the skin crisps up on both sides.
After flipping, cook the chicken for an additional 5-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken leg quarters and the model of your air fryer. Larger pieces of chicken or a lower-temperature air fryer may require a longer cooking time. Always refer to the manual for your air fryer if you're unsure about the recommended cooking times.
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F-175°F in the thickest part, without touching the bone. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
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Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving
Leaving the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving is an important step in the cooking process. This is because the meat will continue to cook due to residual heat, ensuring that it reaches the desired internal temperature of 165°F–175°F. This is especially important when cooking chicken, as it needs to be cooked thoroughly to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Resting the chicken also allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it moist, tender, and juicy. This is a key benefit of air frying, as the hot air circulating around the chicken helps to lock in moisture, resulting in juicy and tender meat. By letting the chicken rest, you are ensuring that these juices are evenly distributed, enhancing the flavour and texture of the dish.
Additionally, the resting period gives the chicken skin the opportunity to crisp up further. Air frying creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy, and by letting the chicken rest, you are allowing the skin to reach its optimal texture. This final touch ensures that your chicken leg quarters are not only cooked to perfection but also have a delightful crunch when served.
The resting time also provides a practical benefit, giving you the opportunity to prepare any side dishes or finalise other components of your meal. Whether it's roasting some vegetables or making a quick salad, the few minutes of resting time can be efficiently utilised to assemble and plate your meal, creating a well-rounded and delicious dining experience.
Overall, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving is a crucial step that ensures food safety, enhances the flavour and texture of the dish, and provides practical advantages to help you serve a mouthwatering meal.
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