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

Chicken leg quarters are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. They are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, making them a juicy, flavourful, and affordable cut of meat. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy skin and tender meat in under 30 minutes. The key to getting the skin nice and crispy is to start with the skin side down and finish with the skin side up. You can also use a variety of seasonings to add extra flavour to your chicken leg quarters, such as onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a BBQ rub.

How to season chicken leg quarters for the air fryer

Chicken leg quarters are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, and they are usually sold with the skin on. The skin can be removed before or after cooking, but leaving it on helps keep the meat moist and adds flavour.

To season chicken leg quarters for the air fryer, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get crispy.
• Brush the chicken on all sides with olive oil or avocado oil.
• In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings. Some popular options include:

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• BBQ rub
• Lemon herb: fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley
• Italian seasoning: basil, oregano, and thyme
• Spicy Cajun: cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken on both sides and rub it in. Make sure to get some seasoning under the skin.
• Place the seasoned chicken skin-side down into the air fryer basket or tray. If using an oven-style air fryer, you may want to use aluminium foil on the bottom tray for easier cleanup.
• Air fry at 370-400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-185°F.
• For extra crispy skin, flip the chicken after 15-20 minutes and continue air frying.
• Let the chicken rest for at least 2-5 minutes before serving.

How to cook chicken leg quarters in the air fryer

Chicken leg quarters are a great, affordable option for a quick and easy meal. They're a combination of thighs and drumsticks, giving you juicy, tasty meat with a crispy skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken leg quarters (with skin on)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning)

Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.

Coat the chicken leg quarters in a little oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you like.

Place the chicken quarters into the air fryer basket skin-side-down. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip them over. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F. This should take around 10-12 minutes more.

Remove the chicken from the basket and let it rest for 2-5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• If you don't want the skin, you can remove it before or after cooking. Removing it after will add flavour and moisture to the meat.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, so the chicken cooks evenly.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• You can cook from frozen, but it's best to thaw first for better texture.
• For extra crispiness, brush on some BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

How to remove the skin from chicken leg quarters

When it comes to preparing chicken leg quarters for the air fryer, one important step is removing the skin. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it efficiently and effectively:

• Place the chicken leg quarter on a clean, dry surface: Before beginning, ensure your workspace is sanitized, and the chicken is fresh and ready for preparation. Place the chicken leg quarter on a cutting board or clean surface, with the skin side up.
• Use a sharp knife: Make sure you have a sharp knife suitable for precision cuts. A boning or filleting knife is ideal, but any sharp, thin-bladed knife will work. Start by making small incisions: Carefully make small, shallow incisions along the edge of the skin, where it meets the meat. These cuts will help create a starting point for removing the skin.
• Insert your fingers: Gently insert your fingers under the skin, using the small incisions you made as an entry point. Slowly and carefully, begin to loosen the skin from the meat. Work your fingers between the skin and meat, gradually separating the two.
• Grip the skin and lift: Once you have created some separation, grip the skin firmly between your thumb and fingers, and gently lift it away from the meat. Work your way around the entire leg quarter, loosening and lifting the skin little by little. Be careful not to tear the skin as you remove it.
• Use a scraping motion: If needed, use a scraping motion with your knife to help separate any stubborn areas where the skin is still attached. Be careful not to cut into the meat while doing this. Dispose of the skin: Once the skin is completely removed, simply dispose of it or use it for other purposes, such as making chicken stock or adding flavor to soups and sauces.

By following these steps, you can efficiently remove the skin from chicken leg quarters, preparing the meat for further seasoning and cooking in the air fryer. Remember to handle raw chicken with care and always maintain a clean and sanitized workspace.

How to store and reheat chicken leg quarters

To store your chicken leg quarters, let them cool and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to reheat your chicken leg quarters, you have a few options. You can use an air fryer, the oven, the stove, or the microwave.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer basket or on the tray in a single layer. Heat for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F and remove the chicken from the fridge. Let the chicken rest at room temperature while the oven heats up. Then, place the chicken in a baking dish with a shallow layer of chicken stock or water. Cover the dish tightly with foil and put it in the oven. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

To reheat on the stove, you'll want to use boneless, skinless chicken. Slice the chicken into 1-inch-thick pieces. Grab a skillet and add just enough water to cover the bottom. Set the pan over medium heat and add the chicken once the water starts to simmer. Lower the heat and gently stir the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Finally, if you're using the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate with small pieces in the center and larger ones around the edges. Sprinkle a few teaspoons of water and a drizzle of olive oil over the chicken. Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap or invert a bowl over the plate. Microwave for one minute, then check the chicken. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What to serve with chicken leg quarters

Chicken leg quarters are a great choice for an easy and economical weeknight dinner. They go well with a variety of sides and can be paired with a range of vegetables, starches, and salads to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken leg quarters:

Vegetables

Air fryer cabbage, crispy baked asparagus fries, air fryer frozen broccoli florets, grilled green beans, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, or asparagus are all good choices. You can also roast or air fry vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or patty pan squash.

Starches

A simple baked potato, fries (such as purple sweet potato fries or jicama fries), or mashed yuca are great options. If you're looking for something more comforting, try making Instant Pot sweet potatoes or Greek lemon potatoes. Air fryer potatoes are also a family favourite.

Salads

For a lighter meal, pair the chicken leg quarters with a creamy cucumber salad, beet salad, or simple arugula salad.

Frequently asked questions