Air fried chicken leg quarters contain roughly 535 calories with the skin and about 412 calories without the skin. Added ingredients such as oil, flour, sauces, or sweetened seasonings will increase the calorie count. Below you’ll find a simple, keto-friendly method for air frying chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick, also called chicken Maryland) that yields crispy skin without using flour.
📋 Air Fried Chicken Leg Quarter Calories
How many calories are in a chicken leg quarter? A homemade air fried chicken leg quarter (about 12 ounces / 340 g, bone-in) with skin is approximately 535 calories, 0 grams net carbs, and 41 grams protein (Cronometer estimate). This value subtracts bone weight but does not account for fat loss during cooking.
This nutrition estimate applies to a plain dark-meat leg quarter without added breading, sugary sauces, or extra oil. Those additions will raise the calories and carbs.
How many calories in an air fryer chicken drumstick with skin? A single air-fried drumstick (about 133 g) with skin is roughly 214 calories (Cronometer estimate).
How many calories in an air fryer chicken leg without skin?
An air-fried chicken leg quarter with the skin removed after cooking is about 412 calories for a 12-ounce (340 g) portion (Cronometer estimate). Again, this subtracts bone weight but not cooking losses.
What are the calories in an air fried chicken leg with flour?
Calories will vary by recipe. As a general guide, add about 28 calories per tablespoon of flour used to coat one serving. For example, a leg quarter dusted with one tablespoon of flour would be around 563 calories. Add approximately 40 calories per tablespoon of oil used. A light spray of oil or dry herb seasonings contributes negligible calories.
How many carbs in a leg quarter?
A plain chicken leg quarter contains 0 grams of carbohydrates. Carbs come from added ingredients like flour, breading, sweetened rubs, or sugary sauces (for example, barbecue sauce or ketchup).
⭐ How to Make Keto Chicken Leg Quarters
For this simple keto air fryer recipe you only need chicken leg quarters, cooking spray, and salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning.
Step-by-step directions for keto chicken leg quarters:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the chicken with oil and season both sides to taste.
Place the leg quarter in the air fryer basket skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding; most air fryers will hold only 1–2 large pieces at once. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Carefully flip the chicken, add a bit more seasoning if desired, and air fry an additional 5–10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest 5–10 minutes before serving to redistribute juices for tender, juicy meat.
Printable recipe card available below in the recipe section.
Whole chicken leg quarters are thighs with the drumstick attached and are usually an economical cut. They often cost far less per pound than boneless, skinless breasts. This method works in most air fryer brands and models; smaller baskets may cook faster, so check doneness the first time you try the recipe.
⏲️ Keto Chicken Leg Quarters Cooking Time and Temperature
How long do chicken leg quarters go in the air fryer? Large leg quarters typically need about 28 minutes total at 400°F (200°C). In testing, a 23-minute initial cook followed by a 5-minute finish after flipping produced excellent results.
🍗 What to Serve with Chicken Legs
Side dish ideas that pair well with air fried chicken leg quarters:
- Air-fried or roasted vegetables
- Low-carb fries or jicama fries
- Cloud bread or other keto-friendly breads
- Air fryer spaghetti squash
- Fried green beans (keto-friendly)
For non-low-carb meals, rice, pasta, or potatoes also work well.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fried Chicken Leg Quarter (Calories + Keto Air Fryer Recipe)
Summer Yule
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 chicken leg quarter, bone-in, skin on about 12 ounces (340g)
- seasoning to taste
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Spray the chicken leg quarter with oil and season both sides.
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Place the chicken skin-side down in the basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
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Flip the chicken, season if desired, and air fry another 5–10 minutes until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Kitchen Thermometer
Notes
💭 Expert Tips
This recipe suits low-carb and keto diets. Each leg quarter has 0 grams net carbs when no breading or sugary sauces are used. Depending on your seasoning, it can also be gluten free.
Air frying delivers crispy skin and moist meat with minimal added oil. Because leg quarters are large, you may want to cut them in half for smaller portions.
Nutrition estimates are conservative and don’t subtract fat lost during cooking. If you track calories closely, consider that raw weights may overestimate final cooked calories.
Removing the skin reduces fat and calories but also reduces flavor and moisture. It’s generally easier to remove skin after cooking than before.
Nutrition information is for one serving (one chicken leg quarter) and will vary by size and seasonings used.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes may not be suitable for everyone. Consult a registered dietitian or physician for personalized dietary advice.
Nutrition information is an estimate and varies by brand, ingredient, and cooking loss. Use it as a guide rather than an exact value.
Nutrition
FAQs
How to store air fryer chicken quarters leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. You can freeze cooked chicken, but the skin will lose crispness—removing the skin before freezing improves texture after reheating.
Can you make air fryer breaded chicken leg quarters?
Yes. Use whole-grain or panko crumbs for a classic breaded version, or almond flour or seasoned pork panko for a low-carb alternative.
Can you stack chicken legs in an air fryer?
For best crisping and even cooking, arrange chicken in a single layer so hot air can circulate freely. Overcrowding will reduce crispness and increase cooking time.
What are some seasonings for chicken leg quarters?
Popular seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, curry powder, smoked paprika, jerk seasoning, and BBQ rubs. Salt and black pepper are classic staples. Use any blend you enjoy—chicken is a versatile canvas.
Here’s a simple, gluten-free mustard topping suitable for low-carb diets:
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon each dried thyme, rosemary, and sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix and brush on the chicken after flipping for the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. A low-carb BBQ sauce can also be used as a finishing glaze.
👩🏻🍳 Other Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
More easy air fryer chicken ideas:
- Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel (Keto, Low Carb)
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
- Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Breaded Chicken Breast (Ninja Foodi)
- Keto Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Curry
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