Best Mediterranean Chicken Leg Quarters – Air Fryer
Looking for an easy flavor-packed meal? This recipe is definitely one to try. Mediterranean chicken leg quarters are super delicious and budget-friendly meals to make. No need to make a trip to the restaurant to satisfy your taste buds. My family and I absolutely love the chicken served at Mediterranean restaurants. I have tried different combinations of spices at home and methods to achieve a similar taste and I believe I have finally found the perfect spice blend. Not only is this recipe delicious but it’s healthy as well. A perfect low-carb meal!
What is better than a delicious guilt-free meal? Plus, it takes little to no time to make these especially if you are using an air fryer. I love how easy it is to put this recipe together. I often buy the chicken leg quarters in bulk, marinate it and freeze it. This recipe has three simple steps: make the spice blend, marinate and cook. That’s it! For us, it has been an easy weeknight meal that my kids enjoy. Once done, serve it with rice, pita bread, and/or salad. Try it out and let us know in the comments section.
Watch us make Chicken Leg Quarters here
Reasons to love Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
- Easy to prepare
- Quick weeknight meal
- Budget friendly
- Juicy and flavorful chicken
- Healthy!
Useful Tips for delicious chicken leg quarters
Marination Marination Marination
Who wants bland chicken right? For best results, marinate the chicken well in advance. I usually marinate these as soon as I bring it from the grocery store and freeze it. I like to thaw these overnight for the next day. Allow the meat to marinate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight. If in a rush, at least marinate for 2 hours. Be sure to apply the marinade under the skin.
Poke holes or make cuts in the meat
Make holes with a fork or make cuts in the meat before marination. This is done to allow the marinade to penetrate farther into the meat. Creating holes also makes the meat juicy and tender. It might be difficult to poke holes through the skin so you can lift the skin and poke holes in the meat directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Chicken Leg Quarters?
Chicken leg quarter is an inexpensive cut of meat that is easily available in stores. The meat itself is packed with flavor and comes out to be tender and juicy. Can you use other cuts of chicken? Of course! However, I highly recommend using chicken leg quarters for maximum flavor. You may also follow this recipe using drumsticks or thigh pieces.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Yes! I highly recommend marinating your chicken. This step really adds flavor to the chicken and makes it juicy and tender. The longer you marinate the more flavorful your chicken will be. Overnight marination is ideal but If you are short on time, then marinate the chicken at least for two hours.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Of course, you can! If you do own an air fryer yet you can make this in your oven or even grill it. You will need to adjust the time and settings accordingly which is 365 F for approximately 40 to 60 mins. I personally prefer making this in the air fryer. It gets nicely done, creates a crisp outer layer and soft tender meat on the inside. It also cooks much faster in the air fryer.
Mediterranean Chicken Leg Quarters
Mediterranean style chicken made in the air fryer. Healthy, easy and budget-friendly recipe that is packed with flavor. Serve it over rice, salad or pita bread.
- Air Fryer or Oven
- 4 pieces chicken leg quarters (2 lbs approx)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced or paste)
Make the marinade by combining all the ingredients listed above (except chicken leg quarters). Set the marinade aside.
Poke holes in the chicken leg quarters.
Coat the chicken with the marinade. Be sure to apply it under the skin.
Allow the chicken to marinate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
Pre-heat your airfryer. Then place the chicken in the airfryer. Cook for 25 to 30 mins at 365 F.
Flip the chicken at the halfway mark approx 12-15 min mark and resume cooking.
Serve with pita bread, salad or Mediterrnean rice.
- Be sure to check your air fryer manufacturer’s recommendations on cooking time and temperature. Adjust accordingly.
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You may bake this chicken in the oven at 365 F for 45 to 60 mins.
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Poking holes in the chicken will allow the marinade to penetrate further and keep the chicken moist.
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You may use drumsticks and pieces in this recipe.