4-ingredient Chicken Leg Quarters in Air Fryer

Best 4-ingredient Air fryer chicken leg quarters that you can make in under 40 minutes. You’ll achieve irresistibly crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat, elevated by a flavorful seasoning. The chicken quarters are super affordable and are great if you are looking for some budget and delicious dinner ideas.

If you’re cooking for a while in the air fryer, you know how this kitchen gadget cuts down the cooking time when we are comparing it with the conventional or fan oven.

Also, you will use a lot less oil in it. If you still don’t own one, I highly recommend you buy an air fryer if you want to save time and money while you cook.

Quick note: Personally, I own a Cosori Air Fryer 5.8QT and it is perfect for a family of 3-4 members, so all the directions and instructions that I will give in this recipe will be based on it. If you own a smaller Air Fryer take into consideration that usually, the cooking time in a smaller air fryer is a little bit smaller.

Begin by prepping your raw chicken leg quarters. It’s crucial to ensure that the chicken is well coated with your choice of seasonings or marinades for the best flavors.

When you place the chicken in the air fryer, make sure to position the leg quarters in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Quick Note: Remember, the thickness of the chicken plays a pivotal role in the cooking time. Check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

Lastly, after cooking, it’s vital to let your chicken rest.

Allowing the chicken to rest ensures that all the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and ensuring that your chicken leg quarters are fully cooked.

So, if you love air-fried meals, and are seeking a quick and easy air fryer method, this air fryer chicken quarters recipe is perfect. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the chicken is well coated and turns out crispy in the air fryer, making every dish an absolute delight.

If you’re looking for a recipe for how to air fry the chicken legs, check this recipe of how I make the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. Also, give it a try and make some delicious chicken patties in air fryer.

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

• This recipe offers a quick and convenient cooking method, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal in under 40 minutes. The efficiency of the air fryer compared to traditional ovens is a big draw.
• You will get an irresistible combination of crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat, which is a crowd-pleaser. Achieving this balance of textures is a key selling point.
• The inclusion of flavorful seasoning, including mustard, mayo, garlic, and spices, adds depth and taste to the chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• The chicken leg quarters are super affordable, making it appealing for budget-conscious individuals or families.
• You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding or removing ingredients from the marinade. This flexibility allows for a personalized culinary experience.
• It is a perfect recipe for people who are following a keto diet by offering a low-carb option. Additionally, it promotes a healthier choice by using less oil compared to deep-frying methods.

🏆 Tips for Success? How to Make It Better?

• Start with the best-quality chicken leg quarters you can find. Look for ones that are plump and fresh, as it’s the foundation of a great dish.
• If you have some additional time, leave the meat to marinate for a longer period of time. If you want to get an even better and juicier taste, leave the meat to marinate overnight.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes before cooking. This ensures the chicken starts cooking right away, sealing in those juices.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time. It may vary depending on the size of your chicken leg quarters and the air fryer you’re using. For that golden skin and fully cooked meat, aim for 35-40 minutes. Remember, a meat thermometer is your best friend; it should read 165°F (75°C).
• After 20 minutes, consider flipping the chicken quarters or using a little trick. Cover them with a piece of aluminum foil to protect the skin from over-browning while the meat cooks to tender perfection.
• For an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds over your chicken before cooking. It’s a little touch that goes a long way.
• Be mindful of the size of your air fryer basket when choosing chicken leg quarters. If it’s a snug fit, consider cooking them in batches for the best results.

🤔 How to Scale the Recipe Up and Down?

This is a simple recipe, so increase or decrease the ingredients proportionally.

Quick note: After I cooked the chicken quarters, I cut the chicken legs into drumsticks and thighs, so I served it in 4 servings for 4 people. If you need to serve more meat per person, please take into consideration increasing the amount of meat.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Clean the chicken well of all excess fat or pieces and corners that you do not like how it looks. Put the chicken quarters in a bowl, and pour over them the mayo, mustard, and the rest of the spices that you decided to use.

Cover well the meat with the marinade that we just made. Then, cover the plate with plastic food wrap and let the meat marinate for at least 1 hour. Also, you can put the chicken quarters in well-closed Ziploc bags to marinade.

After the meat is marinated, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes and put the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket.

Quick Note: If you see that the chicken hindquarters are too crowded in the air fryer basket, for the best results, consider cooking them in separate batches. This will allow them to cook evenly on all sides.

Cook the chicken quarters for about 35-40 minutes at 380°F (190°C)

Quick Note: Keep in mind that the cooking time may differ from the size of the chicken leg quarters and from how your air fryer works because the heating methods, may differ from one air fryer manufacturer to another. For this recipe, I used Cosori Air Fryer 5.8 QT. Also, take into account that if your fryer is smaller, the meat will cook faster.

I didn’t flip the chicken’s quarters. All I did, after 20 minutes, I cover them with aluminum foil to stop burning the skin from the top and to let the meat from the bottom cook slowly.

If you don’t have aluminum foil at hand, you may consider just flipping the chicken quarters on another side after 20 minutes.

To make sure that the meat is enough cooked, we need to get a nice golden skin and if you have a meat thermometer, then check if the internal temperature of the meat is at least 165°F (75°C).

Quick note: If you don’t have a meat thermometer and you can’t verify the internal temperature of the meat, choose the part of the meat that is the thickest, and with a knife, make a cut to see the inside of the meat if there is some blood left. If you can’t see any blood, then the chicken legs are ready.

Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before consuming it. By letting it rest, the meat will fully absorb the moisture and as a result, it will become more tender.

🍽️ Storage

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the chicken is properly cooled before refrigerating. It can typically be stored for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze cooked chicken, it’s important to note that the texture of the skin may change, becoming less crispy when thawed. However, the meat can still be flavorful and tender. To freeze, place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

🌡️ Reheating

• Microwave: For a quick reheating option, place the chicken leg quarters in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe paper towel, and heat on medium-high in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through. This method is fast but may result in slightly less crispy skin.
• Air Fryer: To maintain the crispiness of the skin, the best way to reheat is in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), then place the chicken quarters in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin has crisped up again.
• Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent further browning of the skin. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through.
• Stovetop: For a more controlled reheating, you can use a skillet or frying pan. Heat a bit of oil in the pan over medium heat, then add the chicken quarters. Cover with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters: Add a spicy kick by brushing the chicken leg quarters with your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with some cayenne pepper or hot sauce before air frying. This will give your chicken a smoky and fiery flavor.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: Create a sweet and tangy glaze by mixing honey and Dijon mustard. Brush this mixture onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a flavorful and glossy finish.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinate the chicken quarters in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and your choice of fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) for a refreshing and aromatic twist.
• Teriyaki Chicken Leg Quarters: Prepare a teriyaki marinade using soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and garlic. Let the chicken marinate in this sauce for a few hours before air frying for a savory and slightly sweet dish.
• Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Coat the chicken quarters in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before air frying. This will give your chicken a crispy, cheesy exterior.
• Buffalo-Style Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken leg quarters in Buffalo sauce for a spicy and tangy flavor. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic Buffalo chicken experience.
• Herb-Butter Chicken: After air frying, brush the chicken with a mixture of melted butter and finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon. This adds a rich and aromatic finish to the dish.
• Soy Ginger Glaze: Create a glaze using soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and a dash of sesame oil. Brush it onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for an Asian-inspired flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired: Marinate the chicken quarters in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
• Cajun Spice: Season the chicken with a Cajun spice blend for a zesty and spicy kick. Pair it with a cool and creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

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