Chicken leg quarters are one of the most budget-friendly and flavorful cuts of chicken. With the thigh and drumstick attached, leg quarters contain a good amount of juicy dark meat. Air frying chicken leg quarters is a quick and easy way to make a delicious family dinner. The hot circulating air in the air fryer crisps up the skin beautifully while keeping the meat tender and moist.
But exactly how long should you air fry chicken leg quarters to get ideal results? Here, I’ll share tips on prep, temperature, cook time flipping and extra crispy tricks for air frying chicken leg quarters. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin every time.
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
If you want your chicken leg quarters to have an extra crackly crunch, try these tricks:
- 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 juicy, tender chicken leg quarters with skin that shatters 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!
- Chicken salad – Shred the meat and mix with mayo, celery, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a simple and tasty salad.
- Tacos – Dice the chicken and toss it with a little taco seasoning for quick and flavorful tacos.
- Brunswick Stew – My personal favorite. Simmer it with corn, lima beans, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce for a rich, smoky, stick-to-your-ribs supper. It’s even better the next day—and perfect with cornbread on the side.
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?
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?
These include the size of the leg quarters, the specific 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. Cooking whole chicken legs in the air fryer is a quick and easy make beautifully roasted, juicy chicken without turning your oven on. 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.