Air fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters make for a hearty chicken serve. Crunchy outside and succulent inside, this is a wonderful chicken main.

It is keto and low carb main with no breading or flour.

I often make both chicken drumsticks and chicken thighs in air fryer. So, why not chicken leg quarters.

You get flavourful chicken in every bite that is juicy and delicious.

I often use them in my chicken curry too.

They are much less expensive compared to chicken breasts or drumsticks, but are super tasty. What’s not to like!

Chicken turns out perfect in the air fryer. Cooked evenly and absolutely juicy. 

I avoid chicken skin, as it is very high in Calories.

But, if you prefer it you can leave it on. It turns crispy when cooked in air fryer.

Even without skin, chicken legs in air fryer are nice and crispy outside.

You may also like: chicken tikka in air fryer, chicken tandoori, whole chicken, chicken tenders, Buffalo chicken tenders, chicken fajitas, chicken parmesan, chicken fries, BBQ chicken.

What are Chicken Leg Quarters?

Chicken quarters are typically chicken thigh and drumstick together as a large piece.

You don’t need to separate them. Just cook them as is.

You get pink meat that is full of flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Chicken legs are comparatively cheaper than the expensive cuts like breasts.

2. Red meat of chicken is more flavourful and holds juices well.

3. It is a really easy recipe to make that even beginner cooks can get right

4. Air fried chicken really turns out nice and juicy.

Ingredients

Chicken leg quarters: You can get these from the frozen section or fresh.

Remember to thaw them if using frozen so that the seasonings adhere well.

Olive oil: I use olive oil to dissolve the seasonings in and then brush on the chicken quarters.

That way they turn nice and golden. 

Seasonings: You can use any favourite chicken seasoning mix that you like.

Here, I have used onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika to make my own.

Feel free to use any spices you like.

Variations

This recipe is gluten free and keto. It is high protein and low carb recipe.

Perfect for a chicken dinner.

Serving suggestions

Main: Chicken quarters are a perfect main.

Serve them with a salad and roasted baby potatoes.

Pasta, rice or Noodles: These go really well with marinara pasta or agilo e olio.

These are delicious paired with veg pulao or noodles too.

Sandwiches, salads or tacos: I often use leftover chicken quarters by using the meat as a filling in a sandwich, salad or taco along with mayo, sauces and vegetables.

With a dip: For keto meal, just serve the chicken quarters with roasted broccoli and a dip.

Storage Instructions

After air frying, you can keep air fried chicken quarters in an air tight jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.

You can also freeze these and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

You can reheat by heating in air fryer at 360F or 180C for about 4-5 minutes till heated through.

Tips

Don’t overcrowd your basket. Only fit as many chicken quarters as your air fryer basket will allow without overlapping.

Flipping the chicken quarters midway during cooking helps in even cooking.

Chicken quarters are cooked when the internal temperature of the fleshiest part is above 165F.

You can use any combination of seasonings that you like. Even ready made Chicken seasoning mixes work well.

Always taste the salt and ensure that there is enough.

Instructions

Clean chicken quarters and wipe them dry with paper towels.

Ensure that they are completely dry or they will not be crispy outside.

Assemble the spices and seasonings and mix them well.

Add them to the olive oil and mix well.

Now using your hands, massage the spiced oil mix all over the chicken quarters or legs. 

There is no need to marinate. You can cook them right away.

Preheat air fryer at 180C or 360F for 4 minutes.

Lightly brush or spray oil over the air fryer basket.

Now, place the chicken quarters in your air fryer.

If you are using very large chicken quarters, you will take more time to air fry. I used 4 chicken quarters that weighed about 1 lb. or 450 gm.

I always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through.

Use one in the thickest part of the meat. When its internal temperature is over 165F, it is cooked through.

Air fry your chicken quarters for 8-10 minutes at 180C or 360F. Now carefully using tongs flip them over.

Cook them further for 6-8 minutes at 180C or 360F till the chicken looks cooked and its internal temperature is at 165F using a meat thermometer.

If your chicken quarters are thicker, then you may need 2-4 minutes more of cooking time.

If your chicken quarters are really thick, about 1 lb. per quarter then remember that they may take about 30 minutes air frying time.

Take out your delicious chicken quarters and serve them hot. Enjoy.

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📖 Recipe Card

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