Are you looking for a fast and flavorful way to cook chicken leg quarters at home? Look no further, because cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve delicious, juicy results with minimal oil and less mess.
What You’ll Need to Cook Chicken Leg Quarters in an Air Fryer
To cook chicken leg quarters in an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken leg quarters: Look for leg quarters that are about 1-2 inches thick for best results.
Oil: You’ll need a small amount of oil to help the chicken get crispy. Any type of oil will work, but avocado or olive oil are healthier options.
Seasonings: Add some extra flavor to the chicken with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian herbs.
In addition to the ingredients, you’ll also need the following equipment:
Air fryer: Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken.
Bowl or bag: This is where you’ll toss the chicken with the oil and seasonings.
Brush or spoon: Use a brush or spoon to coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture.
Preparing the Chicken Leg Quarters for Cooking
Before cooking the chicken in the air fryer, trimming any excess fat is a good idea. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and reduce the amount of grease in the air fryer.
Next, mix together the oil and seasonings in a bowl or bag. Toss the chicken leg quarters with the mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
Arrange the chicken leg quarters in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Prepping the Air Fryer for Cooking
Once the chicken is coated with the seasoning mixture, it’s time to prep the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and the time to 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Then, preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken Leg Quarters in the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated, add the chicken leg quarters to the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
The chicken leg quarters are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. If you’d like, you can brush the chicken with a little bit of BBQ sauce or additional seasonings for extra flavor during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving the Chicken Leg Quarters
- There are endless ways to serve and enjoy your chicken leg quarters. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a classic dinner.
- Pair them with a salad or slaw for a well-rounded meal.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of a bed of rice or grains.
If you have any leftover chicken, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the air fryer again for a few minutes until it is heated.
Variations on the Classic Chicken Leg Quarter Recipe
Lemon and herb chicken leg quarters: Mix together lemon juice, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs and brush the mixture onto the chicken before cooking.
BBQ chicken leg quarters: Coat the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking for a sweet and tangy twist.
Spicy Mexican chicken leg quarters: Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and toss the chicken with the mixture before cooking.
Wrap Up!
Cooking chicken leg quarters in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, juicy chicken any day of the week. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with toppings, there are endless ways to customize and serve these tasty treats. Give it a try and see for yourself how tasty and convenient air fryer chicken leg quarters can be!
Chester’s expertise in air fryer cooking stems from her belief that air frying is one of the healthiest and most convenient cooking methods. Her recipes are designed to make the most of the air fryer’s unique cooking properties, producing crispy and delicious meals without excessive oil.