Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters: The Perfect Temperature

what temp to cook chicken leg quarters in air fryer

Chicken leg quarters are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, which are usually the most affordable cuts. They are also versatile, juicy, and flavorful. Air-fried chicken leg quarters are even better as they are faster, crispier, and less greasy than the oven-baked version. To make them, you can preheat your air fryer to 380°F–400°F, season the chicken, and place it skin-side down in the basket. Then, cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F–185°F.

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Characteristics Values
Temperature 380°F to 400°F
Cooking Time 20-25 minutes
Internal Temperature 165°F to 185°F
Resting Time 2-5 minutes
Spices Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, BBQ rub, lemon herb, rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper
Oil Extra light olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil
Nutrition 323-381 kcal, 1-2 g carbohydrates, 24 g protein, 24-31 g fat

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How to season chicken leg quarters for the air fryer

To season chicken leg quarters for the air fryer, start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, brush the chicken on all sides with olive oil or avocado oil. Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken on both sides and rub it in. You can also add different seasonings of your choice, but make sure to include salt.

Once the chicken is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket skin-side-down in a single layer. Make sure the two chicken quarters do not overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F or 400°F and cook for 20 minutes. For skinless chicken leg quarters, place them in the air fryer basket rounded-side-down.

After 20 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. For darker meat, some sources recommend cooking to a temperature of 170°F to 185°F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 2 minutes before serving.

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How long to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Chicken leg quarters are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, which are usually the most affordable cuts. They are also very easy to cook in an air fryer.

First, remove the chicken leg quarters from the refrigerator. Clean and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Then, coat the leg quarters with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion, and any other spices you like. You can also marinate the chicken for an hour for extra flavor.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 380°F–400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Make sure the chicken quarters are not overlapping. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F–185°F.

Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 2–5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken quarters. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is safe to eat.

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The best temperature to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Chicken leg quarters are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, which are usually the most affordable cuts. They are also the juiciest and tastiest parts of the chicken.

Air-fried chicken leg quarters are super affordable, and you get a thigh and drumstick in one serving. They are also faster, crispier, and juicier than the oven version.

To make chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, first, pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Then, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and/or other herbs and spices. You can also marinate the chicken for an hour before cooking. Next, brush the chicken on all sides with olive oil or avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oil. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side-down, in a single layer, ensuring the chicken quarters do not overlap. Set the air fryer to 380°F to 400°F and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 185°F. It is safe to eat chicken when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but some people prefer to cook dark meat to at least 170°F. Let the chicken rest for 2 to 5 minutes before serving.

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How to get crispy skin on chicken leg quarters in an air fryer

Air-fried chicken leg quarters are a perfect weeknight dinner. They are simple to make, juicy, and flavorful. The leg quarters have a good balance of dark meat and skin, adding extra flavor and texture. The best part is that you can season them according to your preference and they cook in under 30 minutes!

Steps to follow:

  • Remove the chicken leg quarters from the refrigerator.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin.
  • Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add different seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper for a little zing.
  • Coat the chicken on all sides with olive oil.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F.
  • Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin-side-down, in a single layer. Make sure they don't overlap.
  • Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F-170°F.
  • Flip the chicken after 15 minutes for extra crispy skin.
  • 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 crispy and juicy air-fried chicken leg quarters!

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How to prep chicken leg quarters before air frying

To prep chicken leg quarters before air frying, start by removing the chicken from the refrigerator. Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. You can then make some cuts on the skin side of the chicken legs. Next, brush the chicken with olive oil and season.

For a classic BBQ seasoning, use your favourite BBQ rub. For lemon herb seasoning, combine fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Brush the mixture over the pieces before air frying. For Italian seasoning, coat the leg quarters with Italian seasoning or blend basil, oregano, and thyme. For spicy Cajun, mix cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also make your own Latin herb seasoning. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken for an hour.

After seasoning, you can place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the skin side is down and that the chicken quarters are in a single layer. Do not overlap the chicken. Spray a little non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer basket or tray.

Frequently asked questions

The best temperature to cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is 380°F for 20-25 minutes.

Start the chicken with the skin side down and flip it after 15 minutes to get the skin extra crispy.

The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. However, some sources suggest cooking dark meat to at least 170°F or 185°F.

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