Air fryer chicken leg quarters are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and bursting with flavor. They’re a hassle-free, delicious dinner that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes!
Are you a fan of juicy chicken with ridiculously crispy skin? Do weeknight dinners sometimes feel like a hassle? Well, I've got the solution for you – these air fryer chicken leg quarters are about to become your new go-to!
This recipe is as hands-off as it gets. We're talking a few minutes of prep, a quick toss in some tasty spices, and then your air fryer basically takes care of the rest. No more slaving over a hot stove!
The result? Perfectly cooked chicken with crackling, golden skin and a flavor that'll have the whole family begging for seconds. You'll wonder why you ever cooked chicken any other way!
And if you want a great side for your chicken legs, try my delicious chimichurri rice!
Why you’ll love these air fryer chicken leg quarters
- It's an incredibly easy dinner to throw together – perfect for busy weeknights!
- The air fryer makes the chicken skin perfectly crispy and the meat super juicy.
- The spice blend is simple yet gives tons of flavor.
What you’ll need
Chicken leg quarters — I like buying bone-in, skin-on leg quarters for the best flavor and juicy texture.
Olive oil — A light drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and the skin get nice and crispy. I used an olive oil spray, but you can also brush some olive oil on the chicken.
Seasonings — I'm using a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. You can definitely play around here – try adding chili powder for a kick, or swap the paprika for smoked paprika.
Pro tip
For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken leg quarters completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking them.
How to make chicken leg quarters in an air fryer
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t require pre-heating, skip this step.
Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with a paper towel.
Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and toss it with the seasoning mix, making sure it's coated all over.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket skin side down. Cook for 12-13 minutes.
Flip the chicken over and cook for another 12-13 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle for a perfectly cooked leg quarter!
Recipe notes and tips
- Don't be afraid to really coat the chicken in that seasoning mix; you want every bite to be flavorful.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: give the leg quarters some space for the hot air to circulate and get them crispy. I always get the best results by cooking two at a time.
- An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here! You'll know the chicken is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Leftovers and storage
- Leftover chicken will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator – just store it in an airtight container.
- Reheat the chicken in your air fryer to get that crispy skin back! Just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until it's heated through.
- Cooked chicken freezes well! Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you liked this air fryer chicken leg quarters recipe, you might also like some of my other easy dinner recipes:
Looking for more cozy comfort food recipes? Follow Mighty Spatula on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients
- 2 chicken leg quarters skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t require pre-heating, skip this step.
- Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin get crispy.2 chicken leg quarters
- Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.1 teaspoon paprika½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder¼ teaspoon ground black pepper½ teaspoon salt
- Brush the chicken with olive oil (or use an olive oil spray) and toss it with the seasoning mix, making sure it's coated all over.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket skin side down. Cook for 12-13 minutes.
- Flip the chicken over and cook for another 12-13 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices settle for a perfectly cooked leg quarter!
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