Can’t decide between drumsticks or thighs? Try these fast, easy, super tasty air fryer chicken leg quarters for the best of both worlds!
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Don’t want to deal with the hassle of making a bunch of wings, but can’t decide between thighs or drumsticks for dark meat? Get the best of both worlds with air fryer chicken leg quarters!
Thanks to the air fryer, each piece comes out with irresistibly crispy skin while the meat stays tender and juicy. There’s no flour and no breading necessary, which also makes them great for a keto or low-carb way of eating.
Only have the drumsticks of the chicken? Use this Air Fryer Drumsticks recipe with BBQ sauce instead!
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- How to cook the best air fryer chicken quarters
- Ways to add other flavors or seasoning blends to your dish
- Ideas for seasoning your chicken
- How to make frozen chicken leg quarters in the air fryer
This is a great meal when I’m pressed for time but still want to enjoy a nice sit-down dinner with the family. Hands-on prep time takes maybe five minutes, and from start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in 45 minutes or less!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and red pepper flakes. Rub the chicken on all sides with olive oil, then sprinkle on all sides with the seasoning mix.
STEP THREE: Place the chicken quarters in a single layer, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F. I recommend using an Instant-Read Thermometer for a quick read to retain as much heat as possible in the air fryer.
STEP FIVE: Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What is a Leg Quarter of a Chicken?
A chicken leg quarter simply refers to a cut of chicken that includes both the drumstick and the thigh.
You may be used to seeing drumsticks and thighs sold separately, whereas a leg quarter includes them together for a larger, heartier serving.
How to Add BBQ Sauce to the Chicken Quarters in the Air Fryer
Want to add a little flavor to your dish? BBQ sauce is a great option!
However, I recommend waiting until after you’ve cooked the chicken quarters in the air fryer to toss them into the sauce. This method is much less messy, and you won’t risk the barbeque sauce burning.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade BBQ sauce, try out our easy recipe!
What to Serve Alongside Chicken Leg Quarters
- Air Fryer Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Garlic
- Ninja Foodi Rice
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
You can also try out these other Air Fryer Vegetables as a side too!
Can I Put Raw Chicken Leg Quarters in the Air Fryer
Absolutely! The chicken legs don’t need to be baked, roasted, boiled, or cooked in any other way ahead of time.
Just add the raw leg quarters and let the air fryer do the rest.
Other Seasoning Ideas to Use on These
Want to mix it up with your flavors? Get creative with your seasonings! Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- BBQ seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Taco seasoning
Do I Need to Remove the Skin from the Chicken?
Nope! The skin gets super crispy in the air fryer, which is one of my favorite parts. It also helps keep the chicken moist.
If you prefer not to eat the skin, you can always remove it after cooking the leg quarters.
How Do I Know When the Chicken Quarters are Done Cooking?
Your chicken leg quarters are cooked once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness without overcooking or drying out the meat.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters in the Air Fryer
Forgot to defrost the chicken? No problem! You can cook this recipe directly from frozen.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and red pepper flakes. Rub the frozen chicken on all sides with olive oil, then sprinkle on all sides with the seasoning mix.
- Place chicken in a single layer, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Can I Reheat Chicken Quarters in the Air Fryer?
You bet! This dish makes for great leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s my favorite way to reheat them:
- Place the leftover chicken leg quarters in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for 5-6 minutes until warmed through.
Other Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Breasts
- Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Frozen Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
And check out this full list of Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for even more ideas!
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Weight Watcher Points per serving: 6
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients
- 2 chicken leg quarters
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and red pepper flakes. Rub the chicken on all sides with olive oil, then sprinkle on all sides with the seasoning mix.
- Place chicken in a single layer, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook an additional 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the inner basket with cooking oil spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and red pepper flakes. Rub the frozen chicken on all sides with olive oil, then sprinkle on all sides with the seasoning mix.
- Place chicken in a single layer, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook an additional 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Reheat Chicken Quarters in the Air Fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. 2. Place the leftover chicken leg quarters in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until warmed through.Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
MAKING TO NIGHT
This looks amazing. Can’t wait to try it.
I love leg quarters, they are such an affordable way to buy chicken and taste amazing!
oh man, these are sooo good! So easy to make, too! Will definitely be making these all the time!
Looks delicious. Lovely spices. I will try this
I like the addition of dried mustard to this recipe
Hello,
My chicken quarters were thawed. I have a Cosori 5.8 so it was big enough for two! I pre-heated to 400. I cooked for 15 min. I flipped then did 13 minutes as they looked great! Neither was close to done, red juice on the plates, and blood in the chicken. I cooked a 3rd one for 15 min, then added one of the first ones for 8 min. Then put the other one in for the last 7 min (3rd one still in there). Took both out and still not fully done. Got mad, threw all 3 in at 400 for 10min and walked away. They were finally done. By this point, I had made chicken nuggets in the oven for the kids. FYI, I have no problem with frozen chicken wings!
Hi Scott, it sounds like your chicken quarters may have been slightly larger than the ones I typically get, so they can take a few minutes longer. If you pull them out of the air fryer for a few minutes, it will take a bit for them to start cooking again when they are placed back in there. I recommend using an Instant Read Thermometer and popping them back in for about 5 to 10 more minutes and I think they would’ve cooked for you. Pulling them out for 15 minutes will cause them to cook slower when placed back in there. This part works the same way as an oven.
I have an under used fryer but you have inspired me. I book marked this page.
Thank you.
Oh Judith, I’m so happy to hear that! Welcome, I hope you find several recipes you love.