Air-Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken leg quarters are a great option for a simple, economical dinner. You can cook them in an air fryer oven by coating the chicken in oil and seasoning, then placing them in the air fryer basket skin-side-down and cooking for 20 minutes. After this, flip the chicken and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

How to prepare chicken leg quarters for the air fryer

Preparing chicken leg quarters for the air fryer is a simple process. First, trim off any excess fat and skin from the chicken, then wash and clean the chicken quarters. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and place it in a ziplock bag. Next, add oil to the bag and massage the chicken to distribute the oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or another oil of your choice.

After the chicken is coated in oil, it's time to season it. Combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the chicken until it is fully coated. You can use a simple blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with your own spice blend. Make sure to include salt, as this will help to bring out the flavours of the other spices.

Once the chicken is seasoned to your liking, let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. If you have more time, you can let it marinate for up to 30 minutes on the countertop or in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with a little non-stick cooking spray or oil, then place the chicken quarters inside, skin-side-down, making sure they don't overlap. Set the timer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

How long to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a simple process. First, you should trim off any excess fat and skin, and then pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Next, place the chicken in a ziplock bag and add oil and a spice blend of your choice. Massage the chicken to distribute the oil and spices, and then leave to rest for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have time.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, and then place the chicken inside, skin-side-down, in a single layer. Set the air fryer to cook for 20 minutes, and then flip the chicken and cook for a further 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Depending on your air fryer, it may take a little longer to reach this temperature, so use a thermometer to check, and cook for longer if needed.

Once the chicken has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the basket and let it rest for at least 2 minutes before serving.

What temperature to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a simple process. First, you should coat the chicken leg quarters in a little oil, whether or not the chicken has skin on it. You can use an oil sprayer or brush the oil onto the chicken. Then, season the chicken with salt, black pepper and garlic powder, or a spice rub. You can also add other seasonings if you like, but make sure to include salt.

Next, place the chicken leg quarters into the air fryer basket skin-side-down, or more-rounded-side-down if they are skinless. Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and do not overlap. Set the air fryer to 380°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F-185°F. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is ready when the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Depending on your brand of air fryer, cooking times may vary, so it is recommended to use a thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the correct temperature. If the chicken has not reached the desired temperature, cook it for a little longer.

Finally, remove the chicken from the basket and let it rest for at least 2 minutes before serving.

What oil to use for chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

To cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, you should first coat the chicken in a little oil. This is true whether the chicken has skin or not. Olive oil is a popular choice, as it can be used in an oil sprayer, which is cheaper and more convenient than canned cooking spray. Avocado oil is also a good option.

Next, season the chicken with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika, onion powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or dried herbs.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side-down, in a single layer. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It may take longer depending on your air fryer, so check with a thermometer and cook longer if needed.

How to season chicken leg quarters for the air fryer

To season chicken leg quarters for the air fryer, start by coating the chicken in a little oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Next, season the chicken with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, but make sure to include salt. For a dry rub, combine spices in a small bowl and rub all over the chicken until fully coated. You can also add the spice blend to a ziplock bag with the chicken and massage it in. Leave the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have time.

Frequently asked questions