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Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Description

This Air Fryer Jerk Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and spicy Caribbean-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Marinated in a blend of habanero pepper, garlic, aromatic spices, lime juice, and soy sauce, the chicken comes out tender with a perfectly crisp exterior thanks to the air frying method. Perfect for a small family meal or entertaining guests, this recipe balances heat and zest with robust seasoning.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 habanero or scotch bonnet pepper (stems and seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

Chicken

  • 3 chicken leg quarters, cut into pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pepper: Using food-handling gloves, halve the habanero or scotch bonnet pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membrane to reduce heat, unless you prefer a spicier flavor.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a food processor, combine the pepper, garlic, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, ground allspice, ground ginger, black pepper, olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Blend until the mixture is fully emulsified and the pepper and garlic are finely minced, forming a smooth marinade.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to absorb the bold flavors.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 13 minutes. Then, flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for an additional 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  6. Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or lime slices to add extra fragrance and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
  • Adjust the number of chili peppers or leave seeds in to control the heat level of your jerk chicken.
  • Marinating longer than 30 minutes (up to overnight) will intensify flavors.
  • Ensure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded to allow even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness and avoid undercooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/air-fryer-jerk-chicken-recipe/