Air-Fried Leg Quarters: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken leg quarters are a popular, tasty, and affordable choice for meat lovers. They are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, which are the juiciest and tastiest parts of the chicken. Air-fried chicken leg quarters are even more delicious, with a crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. They are also incredibly easy to make and can be cooked in under 30 minutes.

Choosing and preparing the chicken

Chicken leg quarters are a great choice for a tasty, juicy and affordable meal. They are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, which are usually the most affordable cuts. Here is a guide to help you choose and prepare the chicken for your air fryer.

Choosing the Chicken

Chicken leg quarters are typically sold with the skin on. If you don't want the skin, you have two options. Firstly, you can remove the skin before cooking by pulling it off and using kitchen shears to snip off any remaining attached parts. Secondly, you can cook the chicken with the skin on and remove it after cooking. The skin will be easier to remove after cooking, and it will add flavour and moisture to the meat during the cooking process.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you start preparing the chicken, gather all the necessary ingredients, such as olive or avocado oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.

Start by patting the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps remove excess moisture, resulting in crispier skin and better spice adhesion.

Next, drizzle or brush the chicken with oil, massaging it into the skin to ensure an even coating.

After the chicken is coated in oil, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or any other spices you like. Combine the spices in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken, ensuring all sides are covered.

Final Preparations

Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (188-200°C) for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting the chicken skin nicely golden and crispy.

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the skin side down. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so cook in batches if necessary.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Place the chicken in the air fryer and follow the timing and temperature instructions provided by your chosen recipe.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried chicken leg quarters!

Removing the skin

Option 1 is preferable for those who want to avoid the temptation of eating the delicious, crispy skin. On the other hand, option 2 is easier and allows the juices and flavours from the skin to drip onto the chicken while cooking, adding moisture and flavour without much added fat.

Regardless of the option chosen, it is important to note that most chicken leg quarters are sold with the skin on. Therefore, removing the skin before cooking will require an extra step, while choosing option 2 allows you to skip this step and cook the chicken with the skin on first.

Seasoning the chicken

Step 1: Dry the Chicken

Use paper towels to pat the chicken leg quarters dry. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, resulting in crispier skin. It also ensures that the spices will adhere better to the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil and Spices

Drizzle or brush the chicken leg quarters with olive oil or avocado oil. Massage the oil into the skin of the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated.

In a small bowl, combine your choice of spices and mix well. You can use a simple seasoning mix of salt and black pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, or ground mustard.

Step 3: Apply the Seasoning

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover all sides. You can also place the chicken in a large zip-top bag with the oil and seasoning mix, shaking it up to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Let it Marinate (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a while to really absorb the flavours. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of your chicken.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and juicy inside.

Step 6: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned chicken leg quarters into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Ensure that the pieces aren't touching and there is space for hot air to circulate, as overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.

Step 7: Cook and Flip

Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. After the first 10-15 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken leg quarters. Flipping ensures even browning and prevents one side from becoming too crispy.

Step 8: Check the Temperature

To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful chicken. Serve your juicy, crispy chicken leg quarters with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Cooking the chicken

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and juicy on the inside.

Before you season the chicken, pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, resulting in crispier skin.

Now, brush or drizzle the chicken with a little oil. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Massage the oil into the skin of the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated.

Next, add your seasonings. You can use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, rosemary, oregano, or thyme. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flavours. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover all sides.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. If needed, cook the leg quarters in batches.

Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken leg quarters and the specific model of your air fryer. After the first 15 minutes of cooking, flip the chicken leg quarters using tongs or a spatula.

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it does not touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful chicken.

Resting the chicken

When cooking chicken, it is important to ensure that the juices are allowed to settle before serving. This helps to prevent the meat from drying out, as cutting into the chicken too soon will cause the juices to run out. By letting the chicken rest, you ensure that each bite is juicy and flavourful.

The resting time for chicken leg quarters cooked in an air fryer can vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Some recipes suggest resting the chicken for 2 minutes, while others recommend 5 minutes or even up to 10 minutes. It is important to note that the chicken will continue to cook and the temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting period.

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with the meal. Some suggested side dishes include roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or baked potatoes. For a starch option, you could try fries or mashed yuca.

Frequently asked questions