These Air Fryer Chicken Quarters are flavorful and so simple to make. A juicy and tender cut of meat, coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, the entire family will love this delicious meal.
One of my favorite things about cooking with chicken leg quarters is that they are such a budget-friendly meat. Plus, the leftovers can be used in casseroles like this Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice.
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Why I Love This Recipe
These delicious and tender Air Fryer Chicken Quarters provide a juicy, flavor-packed meal that the entire family will love. Coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, these chicken leg quarters will have your whole family asking you to make them again!
- It takes less than 30 minutes to make this delicious recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Even the picky eaters in your house will love this easy air fryer chicken recipe.
- You get juicy chicken with a perfectly crisp skin every time that you make it.
If you enjoy air fryer chicken recipes, you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders recipe.
Ingredients
chicken leg quarters – I love using leg quarters because they are budget friendly, and are full of tender meat and flavor.
seasoning – You will need some basic seasonings such as salt, fresh parsley, and black pepper
acids – To help add flavor and tenderizer you will need white wine vinegar and lemon juice for an acid base.
sugar – The sugar helps counteract the acid.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
If you want to change up this classic recipe for something a little different,
Seasonings – try adding other seasonings such as oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. You can also add in diced onion or bell peppers for some added texture and flavor.
Vinegar – If you don’t have white wine vinegar you can use distilled white vinegar instead. No need to go out and purchase something just for this recipe.
Fruit juice – Out of lemon juice? Lime juice or even orange juice can work in a pinch.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Quarters
These air fryer chicken leg quarters come together in a few simple steps. The glaze gives a bright flavor to the juicy chicken and makes it crave-worthy.
Step 1: Add the chicken quarters to the basket
Place chicken quarters in the air fryer basket. I line mine with foil. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Air fry the chicken
Cook at 400°f for 12 minutes.
Step 3: Make the glaze
While cooking, add the sugar, lemon juice, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. bring the glaze to a low simmer and then remove it from the heat. Set aside.
Step 4: Brush the chicken with glaze
Once the chicken is done, brush the chicken with the glaze and sprinkle with parsley. Top with lemon slices.
Step 5: Air fry again
Continue to cook at 400°f for 4 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once fully cooked, remove and let cool. Serve and enjoy with your favorite side.
Serving Suggestions
I love to pair these chicken leg quarters with a side dish like these Slow Cooker Collard Greens or these Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese.
Pro Tips
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe in the oven. Follow the same steps as above and bake at 375°f for 25 minutes or until cooked through.
- The glaze also works well with other proteins like pork chops or salmon, so feel free to switch it up and experiment. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your protein.
- If you want to add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Make sure that your check reaches the internal temperature of 165 degrees f at the thickest part of the quarter.
- Be sure to not overload your air fryer basket. You want your leg quarters in a single layer, and not overlapping each other. If you have a smaller air fryer you will need to cook in batches.
- If you are cooking your chicken in batches, you can keep the first batch while in the oven at 200 degrees f on a baking sheet until the rest of the chicken is ready.
Storage
Storing – Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating – Reheat air fryer for about 3 – 5 minutes at 350°f until warmed through. You could also reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 12 – 15 for until warm all the way through.
Freezer – Freeze cooked quarters in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight and reheat according to above instructions.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes, you can! Just make sure to follow the instructions above and always check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of the leg quarter. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly I recommend increasing your cooking time to 15 minutes and check for doneness.
Because air fryer cook times vary, your chicken may not be done. If it’s not cook through, you can return your chicken quarters to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes or until it reaches 165 degrees.
More Chicken Recipes
If you like chicken, give these recipes a try:
Want to make this delicious recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin it so that you can come back to it later.
Air Fryer Chicken Quarters
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- saucepan
- bbq or pastry brush
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 3 chicken leg quarters
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken legs in the air fryer basket. I line mine with foil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook at 400°f for 12 minutes.
- While cooking, add the sugar, lemon juice, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. bring the glaze to a low simmer and then remove it from the heat. Set aside.
- Once the chicken is done, brush the chicken with the glaze and sprinkle with parsley. And top it with lemon slices.
- Continue to cook at 400°f for 4 minutes.
- Once fully cooked, remove and let cool.
- Enjoy paired with your favorite side.
Notes
- If you want to add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Make sure that your check reaches the internal temperature of 165 degrees f at the thickest part of the quarter.
- Be sure to not overload your air fryer basket. You want your leg quarters in a single layer, and not overlapping each other. If you have a smaller air fryer you will need to cook in batches.
- If you are cooking your chicken in batches, you can keep the first batch while in the oven at 200 degrees f on a baking sheet until the rest of the chicken is ready.