Crispy air fryer quail that is it so well browned and crunchy outside and super moist inside. Quail has a unique flavor that reminds you a chicken but better. Very well balanced spices and delicious crispy skin, what could be better for a family dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and so easy!

If you tried a quail before you have to agree with me that it doesn’t really taste like a chicken or a cornish hen. The taste is so delicate and unique, you instantly fall in love with it and want more. When cooking quail in Air fryer, you will get the most crispy skin of all time.

How to make air fryer quail

Start with thawing your quails. Leave them in the fridge overnight or simply on the counter for few hours. These birds are so small they will defrost in no time. Rinse them with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Create a rub using spices listed in the ingredient list. If you like to add more of your favorite spices, go for it. Sprinkle birds with the rub all over and add some of it inside.

Now, lay the bottom of the air fryer with lemon slices. Its done for extra lemony flavor and aroma that quails will get. It also will prevent birds from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Place birds on top of lemon slices.

Air fryer can fit up to 4-5 quails at once. You do not want to overcrowd the basket. The hot air need to circulate to ensure proper results. I placed three quails and it was still some space left.

Cook for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. There is no need to move birds or flip them during the cooking process. You can spray the skin with the olive oil spray once or twice. It will help the skin to get extra crispy.

Before consuming make sure that air fried quail is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside. You can easily check it by using instant meat thermometer.

What is a quail

Quails are little birds that weight only around 100 grams each. In the pack i ordered was 6 quails but the package weight was only a little over 1 pound. That's how tiny they are.

Birds are very high in protein and low in fat. Their bones are so tiny that they can be eaten if cooked properly. Quails are an excellent source of Vitamin B6, Iron and Zinc.

Where to buy

I have never seen quails sold in grocery stores here in US. You either want to buy it straight from the butcher or a farm or order online. There are few online options to get these birds from. If ordered online, make sure to thaw birds properly. Leave them in the fridge overnight and they will be defrosted and ready to be cooked.

If purchased fresh quails, make sure to cook them withing 2 days to ensure high quality.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Just like any poultry, quail has to be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Its important for your safety.
• Do not overcook quails. If you cook the bird for too long it will get dry and tough to the bite.
• If you can find fresh bird that is always better. Frozen is ok too. Do not thaw and freeze again. This process will dry out the bird.
• You can marinate bird for couple hours or overnight in some soy sauce, olive oil and spices. I didn't have time for that but i am sure it will add extra flavor.
• Tie quails legs with the butchers twine. This will help keeping birds legs together and will allow you to fit more birds in the air fryer at once.

Serving suggestion

Serve air fryer quails with plain white rice or any salad. They will be great as an appetizer since they are so small. Or on top of mashed or scalloped potatoes.

Leftovers

Store air fried quail in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it and keep in the freezer for 3 months or more. Make sure you use a freezer safe container or a double plastic bag. This will prevent birds from getting a freezer burn.

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