Extra-Crispy Keto Chicken Quarters - Air Fryer or Oven

These Extra-Crispy Keto Chicken Quarters are jam-packed with flavour!  Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these baked chicken thighs are coated in a delicious dry rub with an extra special ingredient to help make these thighs ridiculously crispy. Baked in the oven or an air fryer, this easy keto dinner recipe is so mouthwatering that it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Who doesn't love chicken thighs especially when you can make them extra crispy?!

These baked chicken quarters are so crispy, you and  your guest won't even miss the deep fried version.

And, since they only require about 5 minutes of prep time before you throw them in the oven or an air fryer, this crispy chicken quarters make the easiest keto dinner ever.  

HOW DO YOU MAKE EXTRA-CRISPY KETO CHICKEN QUARTERS WITHOUT FRYING THEM?

Here are some basic tips on making any chicken extra-crispy:

• Make sure to fully dry the chicken before baking
• Make sure to space the chicken apart from each other
• Make sure to use a baking rack
• Coat the chicken with a little baking powder
• Bake the chicken at the right temperature
• Make sure to flip the chicken
• Do not sauce the chicken before baking

How does Baking Powder help to make the chicken extra-crispy?

• Baking powder is alkaline, so it raises the pH level of chicken skin, breaking down the peptide bonds and jump-starting the browning process, meaning the chicken got browner and crispier faster than they would on their own.

Can I use Baking Soda instead of Baking Powder instead?

You can NOT replace baking soda for the baking powder.

Baking soda which is very acidic which will create a horrible taste so please do not substitute one for another.

WHAT IS THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB FOR USING BAKING POWDER TO MAKE CRISPY Chicken?

• Use about 1 tablespoon of baking powder for every 2 lbs of chicken
• You have to use chicken parts that still contain the skin
• Coat the chicken with the baking powder first and then add any additional spices.  This ensures that the baking powder directly adheres to the chicken skin
• Use aluminum-free baking powder.  If you don't, you can end up with a "metallic" taste to your chicken

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THESE EXTRA-CRISPY KETO CHICKEN QUARTERS?

• bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
• baking powder (aluminum-free)
• Spice rub - I used garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and pepper but any rub will work

HOW DO YOU BAKE THESE CHICKEN QUARTERS TO MAKE THEM EXTRA CRISPY?

FOR OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN QUARTERS:

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil
• Place a oven-safe rack over the baking sheet and spray well with cooking spray
• Place the chicken quarters skin side down on the baking sheet making sure to not over-crowd the tray
• Bake at 400 degrees F. (convection) for 30 minutes
• Flip the chicken quarters and bake an additional 30 minutes
• For extra extra-crispy chicken thighs, turn on the broiler and broil on "hi" for 1- 2 minutes or until the desired crispiness has been reached.

FOR BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS IN AN AIR FRYER:

• Prep your air fryer basket according to the manufacturers directions
• Place the chicken quarters in a single layer (you may need to stand them upright along the side of the frying basket if you have a smaller air fryer)
• Turn the air fryer on at 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes
• Flip the chicken quarters and bake for an additional 15 minutes

*I used my Ninja Foodi to make these wings.  If you want to read more about the Ninja Foodi All-In-One, check out this post by Sarah Jackson from Insta Pot Life*

CAN I USE FROZEN CHICKEN QUARTERS?

Absolutely!

Just make sure that you allow the chicken to thaw out completely. Also, make sure that you pat the chicekn dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE CHICKEN IS FULLY COOKED?

You need to cook the chicken until the internal temperature reads 170 degrees F.

If you have large chicken quarters, you may need to increase the baking time. I suggest doing so in 5-minute intervals.

WHAT CAN I SERVE ALONG SIDE THESE EXTRAT-CRISPY KETO CHICKEN QUARTERS?

• Quick and Easy Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
• Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts and Onion Skewers (Whole30, Low Carb)
• Spicy Harissa Carrot Salad (Whole30, Low Carb, Paleo)
• Sheet Pan Grilled Romaine Shrimp Caesar Salad

IF YOU LIKE THIS EXTRA-CRISPY KETO CHICKEN QUARTERS DINNER IDEA, YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

Crispy Nacho Cheese Dorito Wings

Easy Keto Cheesy Chicken Popper Casserole

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