Best Juicy Indian Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Best Juicy Indian Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters - These air fryer chicken leg quarters make an easy and perfect weeknight dinner recipe. This recipe is great for picky eaters. The chicken quarters are crisped to perfection on the outside with tender meat on the inside. Made with Indian Spices, this recipe is easily adaptable.

If you want to try more air fryer chicken recipes, check out Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Roast Chicken or 5 Minute Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Shrimp.

Best Juicy Indian Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken leg quarters are a part of the chicken where both the leg and thigh is attached. This meat is often referred to as dark meat and tends to be more succulent then white meat.

These Indian inspired chicken leg quarters come with perfectly roasted golden crispy skin and tender, juicy meat!

They're seasoned with a blend of spices that make them taste divine! 

We leave the skin on to benefit from the crispy chicken skin but it also keeps the meat juicy.

Why you will love this Air Fryer Chicken Recipe

Quick, Easy, Convenient - There isn’t much time or effort required to make this recipe.

Loved by the whole family - Even the pickiest of eaters will love this recipe.

Healthy - This recipe is actually pretty healthy and is great if you are a fan of a keto diet/low carb diet.

Juicy Chicken - Chicken Quarters are the most moist and tender part of the chicken.

Crispy Skin - Air frying guarantees the crispiest chicken skin!  

Ingredients and Substitutions

Chicken leg quarters

Skin-on bone in leg quarters/whole chicken legs or you could make air fryer chicken drumsticks or chicken thighs.

Garlic and Ginger

Use fresh, pastes or defrosted frozen crushed. You can also use Garlic Powder and Ground Ginger.

Tomato paste

You could also use Harissa Paste or your favourite paste that is of a similar thick consistency.

Lemon Juice

To add flavour and zing.

Spices

Smoked Paprika, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Onion Powder, Ground Turmeric, Chilli Flakes 

Oil

Vegetable, Corn, Sunflower or Avocado Oil or any oil with a high smoke point is recommended which is why I wouldn't recommend Olive Oil for this recipe.

Oil helps the spices to adhere to the chicken.

You could also use a non stick cooking spray. 

Salt and Black Pepper

How to air fry Chicken Leg Quarters

For full recipe, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page:

Wash and trim excess fat from the raw chicken leg quarters and pat the chicken dry with paper towel. Make 2 slits in each quarter.

Place in a bowl and then add all the ingredients for the marinade. Rub into the chicken and set aside for 30 minutes. 

Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil. 

Place chicken skin side up in the air fryer basket and air fry at 200 C/400 F for 15 mins.

Then flip and air fry for a further 10 - 15 minutes.

TOP TIP- Use an internal read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked.The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 74 C - 85 C/165 F - 185 F. Cook time may vary between air fryers. The best way to know that the chicken is done is to check the internal temperature before serving.

If you have a smaller air fryer, continue with remaining chicken until all the chicken is cooked. I have a ninja foodi and I do it in 2 stages. The same applies to an instant pot. 

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips to make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Quarters

• Let the chicken rest after cooking. This means you will eat it at its juiciest!
• Flip chicken a midway so it turns golden brown all over.
• Meat Thermometer - Cook chicken leg quarters until internal temperature reaches 74 C - 85 C/165 F - 185 F. I like to cook till it is at 80 C.
• Leave the skin on for best flavour.
• Marinate for 30 minutes for the best flavour. If you are in a rush, marinade for 10 minutes.
• Cook Chicken in a Single layer so air can circulate around the chicken.
• Cooking time may vary between air fryers. The second batch also always cooks quicker! If in doubt, use an instant-read thermometer.
• Make cuts in the Chicken legs if the legs are super thick.

How To Store Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Chicken Quarters

You can reheat them in the air fry them for a 4 - 5 minutes at 180 C/350℉ until warm.

From frozen, you will need to cook for a few minutes longer.

Variations 

Here are a few ideas to change things up:

Use your favourite Spice Blend, Seasoning Mix or Chicken Seasoning. Even BBQ Sauce works well.

Adjust Spices according to your preference. 

Use Lemon Pepper seasoning instead.

How to serve

Serve these Chicken leg quarters alongside a crispy Salad, Veggies, Jeera Rice or The BEST Crunchy Beef Roast potatoes.

FAQ's

How long does it take to cook chicken quarters in the Air Fryer?

This really depends on the size and thickness of the chicken. 

Around 30 minutes is needed to cook them all the way through. 

Check that the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat reaches 74 degrees C - 85 degrees C/165 degrees F - 185 degrees F.

Can I cook frozen Chicken Leg Quarters in the Air Fryer?

Yes you can but it will take longer - around 40 minutes to cook. 

What is a Chicken Leg Quarter?

A Chicken leg quarter is the chicken thigh and chicken drumstick in one piece.

Are Chicken Leg quarters Healthy?

Though not as lean as Chicken Breast, Chicken leg quarters are pretty healthy when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

Why should you Air fry Chicken legs?

Air fryers are basically small convection ovens which move hot air rapidly around the chicken. So you get juicy chicken leg quarters.

For more air fryer recipes, check out these recipes:

Air fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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