Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters are crispy, juicy, and flavorful, making them the ultimate easy dinner. Every bite is flavored with a tangy garlic-lemon marinade, and the air fryer makes sure the skin is golden and crispy while the meat inside stays soft.
This recipe is quick and easy for a weeknight, just like my Air Fryer Pulled Pork. The whole family will love it. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
One of the least expensive and tastiest cuts of chicken is the leg quarter. Leg quarters have a lot of juicy dark meat because the thigh and drumstick are still attached. A quick and easy way to make a tasty family dinner is to air fry chicken leg quarters. The hot air that flows through the air fryer makes the skin crispy, but the meat stays soft and juicy.
But how long should you air fry chicken leg quarters for to get the best results? I’ll show you how to prepare, set the temperature, cook the chicken, flip it, and get it extra crispy. Follow these easy steps to always get chicken that is cooked just right and has crispy skin.
Preparing the Chicken Leg Quarters
- Thaw frozen chicken leg quarters completely before air frying. Letting them thaw overnight in the fridge is best.
- For extra flavor and moisture, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes up to overnight. A simple olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herb marinade works great.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get extra crispy.
- Coat the chicken lightly with oil. I like using an olive oil sprayer for easy and even coverage.
Setting the Air Fryer Temperature
- Preheating is a must for crispy chicken skin. Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- 400°F is the ideal temperature for getting chicken leg quarters perfectly cooked and browned.
Cook Time for Air Frying Chicken Leg Quarters
- The cook time can vary based on the size of the leg quarters. Larger, thicker quarters may need a little longer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Check with a meat thermometer.
- If the chicken hasn’t hit 165°F after 25 minutes, cook for 5 more minutes and check again until done.
Flipping the Chicken Leg Quarters
- Around halfway through the cook time, flip each chicken leg quarter over using tongs or a spatula.
- Flipping promotes even browning and cooking on both sides.
- Be gentle when flipping to avoid knocking off the crispy skin.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Skin
Here are some things you can do to make your chicken leg quarters even more crunchy:
- Apply a light coat of oil before air frying for increased browning.
- After air frying, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to further crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Season the skin heavily with spices, herbs, or seasoning blends for more flavor and crunch.
Serving Your Air Fried Chicken Leg Quarters
The air fryer makes chicken leg quarters that are juicy, tender, and have skin that breaks apart when you bite into it. For the best results:
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before eating. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with classic chicken sides like mashed potatoes, veggies, coleslaw, biscuits, etc.
- Add a final sprinkling of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
The Benefits of Air Frying Chicken Leg Quarters
Air frying chicken leg quarters has many advantages:
- Quicker cooking time than traditional oven methods
- Gets the skin crispy without deep frying or a ton of added oil
- Keeps the chicken meat very moist and juicy
- Adds delicious flavor from the circulating hot air
- Allows you to cook from frozen for easy weeknight meals
- Lets you cook an entire meal in one appliance
Additional Tips for Air Frying Chicken Leg Quarters
- Smaller leg quarters may cook faster than larger ones. Check often and adjust time.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Add veggies tossed in oil to the basket to make a whole meal.
- Play with different seasonings and marinades for variety.
Cooking chicken leg quarters in the air fryer results in tender, juicy meat with an amazingly crispy skin in a quick 25-30 minutes. Preheating the air fryer and flipping halfway through are keys for even browning. Letting the chicken rest before serving and adding flavorful seasoning or marinades also helps take these budget-friendly leg quarters to the next level. Follow this simple air fryer method for your new go-to way to put chicken on the dinner table any night of the week.
What to serve with Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Pair this delicious main dish with:
Supper and then some (reimagining leftovers)
Got leftovers? Turn them into a whole new meal!
- Let’s make a simple and tasty chicken salad. Shred the meat and mix it with mayo, celery, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Take chicken and cut it up. Add some taco seasoning and toss it around. This will make quick and tasty tacos.
- Brunswick Stew – My personal favorite. Put it on low heat with lima beans, corn, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce for a hearty, smoky meal that will stick to your ribs. You can eat it again the next day, and it tastes great with cornbread.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
FAQ
How long does it take to air fry leg quarters?
Air Fry at 380° for 20-25 Minutes – Cooking the chicken quarters is super simple.Feb 24, 2024
How long to cook chicken legs in an air fryer at 400 degrees?
Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Flip them over, then cook for another 8 minutes.
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Most people think that baking chicken legs at 400°F (204°C) is better than 350°F (177°C) because the skin gets crispier and the meat stays juicy.
How long to cook chicken at 400 in an air fryer?
It depends on your air fryer temperature and how thick your chicken breasts are. I like to cook my chicken breasts for a shorter time at a higher temperature, so I opt for 400 degrees F for a cook time of 10-15 minutes. Feb 10, 2024.
How long to cook chicken leg quarters in air fryer?
Some of these are the leg quarters’ size, the air fryer model, and whether they are fresh or frozen. Below are general guidelines: For fresh chicken leg quarters, the recommended cooking time is typically around 35-40 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:
Can you cook whole chicken in an air fryer?
Air fryer chicken leg quarters are a fantastic way to enjoy succulent, crispy chicken with minimal fuss. The air fryer makes it easy to cook whole chicken legs quickly and without using the oven. The chicken will be juicy and beautifully roasted. Preheat air fryer to 195°C/ 390°F. Pat chicken quarters dry and rub with oil.
How do you cook chicken legs in an air fryer?
Preheat air fryer to 195°C/ 390°F. Pat chicken quarters dry and rub with oil. Sprinkle rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken and rub in. Place chicken legs in air fryer basket skin side down. Ensure they are not touching. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken legs over halfway through cooking time.
How long does it take to air Fry leg quarters?
Air frying leg quarters typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s crucial to flip the leg quarters halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. This technique helps to render the fat and crisp the skin beautifully.
Can you cook frozen leg quarters in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen leg quarters in the air fryer, but it is essential to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Typically, cooking frozen leg quarters will take about 40 to 45 minutes at the same temperature of 375°F (190°C).
What temperature do you cook leg quarters in an air fryer?
The ideal temperature for cooking leg quarters in an air fryer is typically around 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the skin to become crisp while ensuring that the meat is cooked thoroughly. Cooking at this temperature strikes a balance between achieving a nice sear on the skin and allowing the meat to cook evenly without drying out.