Air Fryer Chicken Legs Quarters Recipe

Ingredients you'll need to make chicken leg quarters

Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken leg quarters: Use thawed, bone-in, skin-on quarters. Choose pieces close in size so one isn't finished long before the other. Check that both fit in your basket without overlapping; larger quarters may need separate batches.

Italian seasoning: Gives the chicken its herb flavor with one blend. Check the label before adding salt, since some blends already contain it.

Garlic powder and onion powder: These coat the chicken evenly without any chopping.

Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.

Salt and pepper: Add to taste, allowing for any salt already in the seasoning blend.

How to cook chicken leg quarters in air fryer

Mix the seasoning

Combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.

Season the chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, including the underside. Drizzle with olive oil and season all over with the herb mixture, salt, and pepper.

Air fry

Place the quarters in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Check the thickest meat in each quarter with a thermometer, avoiding the bone. Check both the thigh and drumstick portions; each needs to reach 165°F. Continue cooking any piece that hasn't reached that temperature.

The size of the quarters and your air fryer can affect the cooking time. The skin may look browned before the meat is ready, so use the thermometer rather than the color to decide when to take the chicken out.

Rest and serve
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe tips

• Don't skip patting the chicken dry! Doing this means that the air fried chicken leg quarters will go nice and crispy, as moisture can stop this from happening.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken legs; this is the best way to avoid over or undercooking. To use the meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat, and be careful to avoid touching the bone, as this can alter the reading. The correct temperature for chicken is 165°F.

How long to air fry chicken leg quarters 

Air fry chicken leg quarters for 20 minutes at 380°F, turning once halfway through. 

The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of your chicken legs, so always use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

What to Serve With Chicken Leg Quarters

A salad and some bread are enough when you want to keep dinner simple. Get the salad ready while the chicken cooks, then dress it just before serving.

For a more filling plate, add an air fryer whole sweet potato and a salad. Cook the potatoes first when you're using one air fryer, since they take longer than the chicken.

Air fryer green beans also work well with the garlic and herbs. Pair them with rice or mashed potatoes. Cook the beans separately from the chicken so the quarters have enough room in the basket.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Place leftovers in a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour when the surrounding temperature is above 90°F. Use within 3-4 days.

Freezer: Once chilled, wrap the chicken well or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer: Preheat to 380°F. Arrange refrigerated quarters in a single layer and heat for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. Check that the meat reaches 165°F throughout, and add time as needed.

You can also pull leftover meat from the bones for sandwiches, wraps, or a salad. Store it in a sealed container so it doesn't dry out.

FAqs

What to do with leftover chicken quarters

Leftover air fry chicken quarters are delicious and served cold as part of a picnic spread, or you can strip the meat into sandwiches, soups, and stews. 

Cooked chicken is also a shortcut to any number of wonderful chicken recipes:

• Air fryer chicken quesadilla
• Air fryer chicken fajitas
• Healthy instant pot chicken risotto

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