Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
Seasoned and perfectly cooked chicken leg quarters that are baked in an air fryer. No breading is necessary. in less than half an hour.
Delicious and Affordable
My favorite portion of chicken is the leg quarters. The tastiest and juiciest sections of the chicken are the drumsticks and thighs together. Additionally, they are typically the least expensive cuts. Because they are white flesh, chicken breasts receive a lot of attention, whereas chicken wings receive all the attention from spicy party platters. Additionally, the butcher has one less cut to do when using chicken quarters. A packet of four chicken quarters for a couple bucks is not unusual.
Crispy and perfectly roasted
There is so much more that air fryers can accomplish than simply replace oil cooking. Similar to tiny convection ovens, they quickly circulate hot air over the food while it cooks. This works well with chicken! The skin is beautiful and crispy, and the meat is incredibly delicious and soft. You’re going to be shocked.
Ingredients
Two quarters of bone-in, skin-on chicken legs.
One teaspoon of paprika
One teaspoon of black pepper, ground
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Half a teaspoon of onion powder
Half a teaspoon of powdered garlic
Half a teaspoon of ground mustard
One teaspoon of olive oil
Directions
1. Fill a big bowl or a zip-top bag with the dry ingredients.
2. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry (this is crucial!) and trim off any extra fat or skin. After adding 1 teaspoon of oil to the bag or dish, shake or thoroughly mix the chicken until all of the seasoning is evenly distributed.
3. For five minutes, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
4. Skin side down, put the chicken in the air fryer and set the temperature to 380°(F) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 to 185°F. Halfway through cooking, flip.
5. Before eating, carefully transfer the chicken to a dish and give it two to three minutes to rest.
Nutrition Facts
Health Information
Reduced Fat Content:
Compared to conventional deep-frying techniques, air-frying chicken leg quarters uses a lot less oil during cooking. As a result, it has less fat, which makes it a healthier option, particularly for people attempting to control their cholesterol or cut back on their caloric consumption.
Preserves Nutrients:
Using an air fryer to cook chicken helps preserve more of its protein, vitamins, and minerals. This is because cooking takes less time and there is less need for extra fats or oils that could deplete nutrition.
High in Protein:
A great source of protein, which is necessary for tissue repair, muscular growth, and other bodily processes, are chicken leg quarters. You may have a high-protein supper with little additional fat by cooking them in an air fryer.
Decreased Carbohydrates:
Unlike fried chicken recipes, which frequently contain carbohydrates from battering and breading, the air fryer approach does not require these steps. Therefore, for people on low-carb or ketogenic diets, air-fried chicken leg quarters are a good choice.
Better Skin Quality:
The skin gets crisped up by air frying, which gives it a nice crunch without using as much oil as deep-frying does. Although chicken skin has some healthful fats (particularly if the chicken is pasture-raised or free-range), air-frying allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of the skin without letting it soak in oil.
Cooking Tips
Preparation::
Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken leg quarters dry before seasoning or air-frying. Since too much moisture can keep the skin from crisping up, this helps to guarantee crispy skin.
Season liberally: A range of spices, herbs, and marinades can be used to season chicken leg quarters. Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder are common spice combinations. For optimal flavor, let the spice marinade for at least half an hour, or perhaps overnight.
Cooking Time and Temperature:
For best results, preheat your air fryer to about 375°F (190°C).
Cooking time: Cook the leg quarters for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on their size. To guarantee even cooking, flip them halfway through. A meat thermometer can be used to check the interior temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
Spacing: Avoid packing the air fryer basket too full. Make sure the chicken leg quarters are spaced sufficiently apart so that air can flow freely around each one. Overcrowding will cause the skin to become less crispy and the frying to be uneven.
Oil Usage:
Although air fryers use a lot less oil than conventional deep fryers, it’s still a good idea to lightly coat the chicken with oil before cooking, ideally avocado or olive oil. This improves the skin’s browning and gives it a crispier texture.
Flip Halfway:
Halfway through the cooking time, turn the chicken leg quarters to ensure even cooking and crispiness. This guarantees even crispness by exposing both sides to the hot, moving air.
Rest After Cooking:
After cooking, let the chicken leg quarters rest for approximately five minutes. This keeps the meat moist and soft when you cut into it by redistributing the liquids.
Conclusion:
A tasty and healthier substitute for deep-fried chicken are chicken leg quarters cooked in an air fryer. By using a cooking method that uses a lot less oil, you may still enjoy the delicious crunch of crispy chicken skin while consuming less fat and calories. Quarters of chicken legs are an excellent option for a well-balanced supper because they are naturally high in protein and nutrients. You can consistently get properly cooked, juicy, and crispy chicken by adhering to a few basic cooking guidelines, such as using the right amount of spice, adjusting the temperature appropriately, and turning the chicken halfway through.
The air fryer is a great tool for making wholesome and filling chicken leg quarters, whether you’re trying to eat healthily or you’re just looking for a quick and simple dinner.
