Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters in Minutes!

If you want an affordable, tasty, and easy-to-make dinner, air fryer chicken leg quarters are a perfect choice. Combining thigh and drumstick in one meaty package, these parts deliver juicy and flavorful meat that brings back memories of growing up and enjoying meals prepared by my mom. This combination is seasoned and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in crispy skin without the grease or vats of oil. 

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe-The Answer

Ingredients to Make Chicken Leg Quarters in the Air Fryer

To prepare delicious chicken leg quarters in the air fryer, you’ll need the following:

• Oil with a high smoke point: Avocado oil is a great choice.
• Seasonings:
  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Ground mustard seed

For two chicken leg quarters weighing around 1.5 pounds total, these ingredients will create a spice rub that is guaranteed to please any crowd. This blend gives the chicken a familiar, lively flavor without being too overwhelming in terms of heat. Think of it as the Goldilocks of rubs – just right for your taste buds.

With this simple yet effective mixture, you’ll find that air-fried chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful.

HOW TO COOK CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS IN THE AIR FRYER

Prepare and Season:

• Combine your favorite spices in a bowl.
• Rub the chicken leg quarters with the seasoning mix using your hands.
• Place the quarters in the air fryer basket, skin side up.

Cook in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Ensure a golden brown, crispy skin by brushing avocado oil on the surface.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to let the juices settle before serving.

Additional Tips:

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to gauge the doneness of the chicken legs.
• Consider lining the bottom tray with aluminum foil to catch any drippings.
• For extra flavor, add some seasoned lamb chops or skirt steak in the air fryer trays alongside the chicken leg quarters.

Equipment Needed

How To Remove Skin From Chicken Leg Quarters

Using Shears

My preferred method for removing the skin from chicken leg quarters involves using kitchen shears. First, I carefully use the sharp kitchen shears to snip along the edge of the thigh bone, allowing the skin to be peeled back. Then, with the help of my fingers, I gently pull back the remaining skin to reveal the succulent chicken meat beneath. This technique not only ensures that the chicken meat cooks evenly, but also allows for the flavor of the cooking juices to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a crispy and delicious end product.

The Temptation and Willpower

Now comes the temptation of discarding the skin, but I find it crucial to exercise willpower and resist the option to discard the skin. Instead, I cook the chicken as instructed and let the skin work its magic, infusing the meat with moisture and flavor, ultimately leading to incredibly crispy and delicious leg quarters that will leave everyone reaching for more.

More Cuts Of Chicken In The Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to prepare different cuts of chicken ensures you achieve the perfect balance of temperature and timing. Chicken thighs, for example, need just the right degrees and minutes to cook thoroughly. My personal experience with chicken breast is that it stays juicy when cooked at a precise temperature for a set time, even though it tends to be thick.

Whole chicken benefits from monitoring the internal temperature to ensure even cooking throughout. Drumsticks are another favorite as they turn out crispy on the outside and tender inside when you set the fryer correctly. The key is to adjust the settings based on the specific cut to make sure every piece is perfectly cooked.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Legs

When you cook chicken using this recipe, it makes for one of those easy dinners that everyone will love. The delicious flavor from the spice rub pairs perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon. For sides, you have many options. Vegetable sides are always a great addition, and everyone likes air fryer cabbage or crispy baked asparagus fries.

If you prefer something simple, frozen broccoli florets or grilled green beans are excellent choices. For a starch, consider a simple baked potato or the more unique purple sweet potato fries. If you’re looking for an alternative option, try jicama fries. The vibrant mix of these sides will complement the main dish and make your meal stand out.

Differentiating Air Fryer Prime Rib and Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Meat Type and Cuts

Air Fryer Prime Rib This cut comes from the rib section of beef and is renowned for its juicy, flavorful meat and distinct marbling, which makes it exceptionally tender. As a high-quality cut, it tends to be more expensive.

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters These include both the thigh and drumstick parts of the chicken, providing a meaty yet affordable option. The dark meat is juicy and flavorful, making it a popular choice for hearty meals.

CAN YOU COOK FROZEN CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS IN THE AIR FRYER?

Absolutely, you can cook frozen chicken leg quarters in the air fryer with just a few alterations to your recipe. Start by placing the frozen chicken leg quarters in the air fryer and cook them for 5-8 minutes to get them partially thawed. Once they reach room temperature, remove them and season with your favorite rub before returning them to the air fryer. Continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

The total cooking time will be longer than using thawed chicken leg quarters, so it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re safely cooked. If you prefer, you can also try this method with chicken breasts. My personal tip is to keep an eye on the internal temperature throughout the process to get perfectly cooked chicken legs every time.

FAQs

Can you cook a quarter leg in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a quarter leg in the air fryer and it turns out delicious! Start by making sure your air fryer is preheated and your chicken leg quarters are prepared with your favorite seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters in the air fryer basket, but be careful not to overcrowd them.

This helps the chicken cook evenly. Set the temperature and cook the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The result will be perfectly cooked chicken leg quarters that are juicy and flavorful.

What temperature are chicken leg quarters done?

When you cook chicken leg quarters in the air fryer, it’s important to know the right temperature and time for the best results. Typically, they take about 30-35 minutes to cook thoroughly. To ensure even cooking and to prevent burning, it’s a good idea to turn them often. The chicken is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, with juicy and tender meat every time.

What temperature do you cook drumsticks in the air fryer?

When cooking drumsticks in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees F. The chicken legs should cook for 18-20 minutes, making sure to turn them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. This quick cooking time means your drumsticks will be ready in no time, perfect for pairing with a quick Arugula Salad or a side of Sautéed Brussels Sprouts. The simple prep time and fast cooking time make it easy to prepare a delicious meal without much fuss.