Air Fryer Ranch Paprika Chicken Leg Quarters
Summary
- This recipe demonstrates how to prepare flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken leg quarters in an air fryer. The chicken is seasoned with olive oil, lemon pepper, paprika, salt, and ranch dressing, then marinated overnight for maximum flavor before being air-fried to perfection.
Video Chapters
Jump straight to any step in the video.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Chicken leg quarters 2 pieces
All Ingredients - For Marinade
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Lemon pepper seasoning 2 teaspoons
- Paprika 2 teaspoons
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Ranch dressing 2 tablespoons
- Butter 1 tablespoon
Tools You'll Need
- Air fryer
Plan Ahead
Some steps can be prepped earlier so cook time is shorter.
- Step 6 · Overnight
Marinate Overnight Cover the marinated chicken with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnig…
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat dry both sides of the chicken leg quarters thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Season First Side
Drizzle olive oil generously over one side of the chicken. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and salt evenly over the chicken. Squeeze ranch dressing on top of the seasonings.
Step 3: Spread Marinade
Use a brush to evenly spread the marinade mixture all over the first side of the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated.
Step 4: Season Second Side
Flip the chicken to the other side. Repeat the seasoning process: drizzle olive oil, sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and salt, then squeeze ranch dressing.
Step 5: Spread Marinade on Second Side
Brush the marinade evenly over the second side of the chicken, ensuring it is also fully coated.
Step 6: Marinate Overnight
Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Air Fry the Chicken
Line the air fryer basket with greased foil and carefully place the chicken inside. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (approximately 180°C) (182°C (approximately 360°F)) and cook the chicken for . During cooking, flip the chicken at least 3 times and brush with melted butter each time to ensure even cooking and a crispy, golden-brown skin.
Step 8: Serve
Once cooked, the chicken should be golden brown, flavorful, tender, and juicy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips
• Flipping the chicken at least 3 times and brushing the chicken with some butter when you flip.
• Use your own preference of seasonings if you don't like what was used in the video.
Variations
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.
Your Notes
Jot down your tweaks — swaps you tried, cook-time adjustments, family reactions. Saved on this device only, and printed with the recipe.
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