Juicy Piri Piri Chicken in the Air Fryer (+ Video)
Today’s recipe is quick, easy, and stuffed with savory, spicy flavors: the Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with almost anything, even leftover sides, for a fast, tasty meal.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for juicy, flavorful results.
- Piri Piri Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade with paprika, chili, garlic, and lemon zest.
- Garlic: Freshly minced adds bold, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the skin in the air fryer.
- Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt enhances all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a little kick and depth.
How To Make My Crispy Piri Piri Chicken Recipe In An Air Fryer
Marinate chicken with spices, olive oil, and lemon juice, let it sit for more flavor or cook right away. Air fry until golden and crispy, then serve hot for a quick, flavorful meal with zero fuss!
How to Serve Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken
Pair it with yogurt sauce to cool the heat or hot sauce for extra spice. Serve with mine, Steven Universe Potato Bites, Homemade Garlic Bread, or a hearty portion of West African Jollof Rice for bold, vibrant flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Watch one of my favorite air fryer chicken recipes!
These honey balsamic chicken breasts are juicy, flavorful, and air-fried to perfection. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Keesha’s Tips & Tricks
- Make It Ahead: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day, at least 30 minutes, but I like to give it a good 6 to 12 hours when I know guests are coming. It gives the spices time to really soak in.
- Turn Up the Heat: I’ve got friends who love spicy food, so I usually keep extra Piri Piri seasoning or crushed chili flakes on hand for those heat-lovers. But if I’m feeding a mixed crowd, I tone it down a bit and serve extra spice on the side.
- Crispy Every Time: The air fryer keeps the chicken perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy inside. Just don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each piece some space so the hot air can do its thing.
👉🏽 Looking for more bold and spicy chicken recipes? Try the smoky flavor-packed Grilled Chicken Skewers, tangy Senegalese Poulet Yassa Skewers, fiery Sriracha Chicken Wings, or the cozy, spiced Moroccan Chicken Tagine. Each one brings big flavor in its own way.
How to Store & Reheat Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken
Store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat in the air fryer to keep it crispy. Freeze for up to 2 months once cooled, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. A quick squeeze of lime brings the flavor back to life.
FAQs about Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken
More Delicious Recipes
Looking for more delicious recipes? Try these savory favorites: Beef Empanadas with Cheese, crispy Colombian empanadas, and spicy Jamaican beef patties.
Crispy Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground garlic powder
- 3 tbsp Piri-Piri spice mix
- 1 tsp chili Flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Yogurt dipping sauce, for serving
Instructions
- To start, place the chicken drumsticks inside a large mixing bowl. Then, squeeze some lemon juice over it.
- Drizzle your chicken drumsticks with some oil. Make sure it is very well coated. Then, add all of the spices over the oil-covered drumsticks.
- Once you have added the spices, start working them onto the chicken. Toss the drumsticks to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- After your chicken is coated well, place it inside the fridge and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Next, place your seasoned Peri Peri chicken drumsticks inside the air fryer. Stack them in a single layer.
- Fry the chicken drumsticks for 20-25 minutes in total. Halfway through the cooking time, make sure that you flip the Piri Piri chicken drumsticks over.
- Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately. Garnish it with some freshly chopped parsley and a delicious yogurt sauce.
Video
