Tiffany Haney
Chicken quarters are a combination of the chicken thigh, drumstick, and part of the back. They are a juicy, tasty, and affordable cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for cooking chicken as it moves hot air rapidly around the food, resulting in tender meat and crispy skin. This paragraph will discuss how to cook chicken quarters in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and temperature, as well as tips for achieving the perfect crispy skin.
How to Cook Chicken Quarters in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Temperature | 375-400°F |
| Rest Time | 2-5 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun spices, rosemary, thyme |
| Chicken Weight | 10-12 ounces |
| Internal Temperature | 165-185°F |
| Storage | Airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken quarters preparation
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 flavorful, tender, and juicy. When it’s cooked in the air fryer, the meat is juicy and the skin is crispy.
First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the skin get crispy during cooking. Next, trim any excess skin or fat. Then, coat the chicken leg quarters in a little bit of oil. You can use extra light olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. Make sure to coat the chicken well, whether or not the chicken has skin on it.
Now it's time to season the chicken. You can use salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with your seasoning. Try a blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a flavor kick. You can also add some lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun spices, or fresh rosemary and thyme for a different flavor profile. Place the chicken in a bowl with the spice and oil blend, and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and set the temperature to 380°F for 20-25 minutes or an internal temperature of 165°F-185°F. For a more well-done dark meat, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 170°F-175°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken quarters, so it's a good idea to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. When the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 2-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy and crispy air-fried chicken quarters!
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Air fryer settings
The ideal air fryer temperature for cooking chicken quarters is somewhere between 360°F (180°C) and 400°F (204°C). Most sources recommend cooking at 380°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F–185°F. If you want to be extra sure that your chicken is cooked, you can leave it in for a few extra minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F–175°F.
If you're cooking from frozen, you'll need to add an extra 5–8 minutes to the cooking time, and if your chicken quarters are larger than average, you may need to add another 5 minutes or so.
It's important to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. This will help to ensure even cooking and give you the best results.
When it comes to arranging the chicken in the air fryer, it's best to place the quarters in a single layer, skin-side down, making sure they don't overlap. This will help to ensure even cooking and crisping. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for chicken quarters in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the chicken quarters and the desired level of crispiness for the skin. It is important to note that the cooking time may also be affected by the brand of air fryer being used.
Most sources recommend cooking chicken quarters in an air fryer for around 20-25 minutes at 380°F (190°C). However, one source recommends cooking at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, while another suggests a higher temperature of 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes. It is worth noting that the lower temperature and shorter cooking time are recommended for smaller chicken quarters, while the higher temperature and longer cooking time are suggested for larger quarters.
It is generally agreed that the chicken quarters should be cooked skin-side down for the first half of the cooking time and then flipped over to cook skin-side up for the remaining time. This ensures that the skin becomes crispy and golden. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) measured at the thickest part of the meat. Some sources recommend cooking dark meat to a higher temperature of 170°F (77°C) or even 175°F (79°C) for the best results.
If you are cooking with frozen chicken quarters, you should first cook them for 5-8 minutes at 360°F (180°C) until they are mostly thawed. Then, you can add the seasoning and continue cooking as directed, allowing a little extra time to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
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Resting the chicken
The length of time you should let the chicken rest depends on the size of the chicken quarters and the desired crispiness of the skin. Most sources recommend letting the chicken rest for at least 2 minutes, with some suggesting up to 5 minutes. If you are cooking larger chicken quarters, you may need to add an additional minute or two to the resting time.
During the resting time, the chicken will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat. This is something to keep in mind if you are aiming for a specific internal temperature. However, the resting period also allows the chicken to drop to a safer temperature for consumption.
While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. This is also a good opportunity to give your air fryer a quick clean, as any leftover residue or oil can impact the taste and texture of your next batch of chicken.
Finally, it is important to note that the resting period will also depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer your chicken hotter or with less crispy skin, you may choose to reduce the resting time.
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Storing and reheating
When you're ready to enjoy your chicken again, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It's worth noting that the skin will no longer be crispy after reheating, but the chicken will still taste delicious!
If you're not planning to eat your leftovers within 3-4 days, you can also freeze your air-fried chicken quarters. Simply place them in a freezer-friendly container, and they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Now you can enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried chicken quarters any time you're craving them!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 20-25 minutes to cook chicken quarters in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to 380°F (193°C) for chicken quarters.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding oil and spices. Ensure the chicken is cooked skin-side down first, then flipped to skin-side up for the final half of the cooking process.
