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Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken in Air Fryer | Recipe This

If you’re a fan of succulent, spicy chicken that’s loaded with flavour, then you’ve likely enjoyed Nando’s legendary peri peri chicken. Known for its unique blend of spices and zesty marinade, Nando’s has become a go-to for those craving a taste of South Africa. But did you know you can recreate this mouth-watering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen using an air fryer? In this article, we’ll show you how to make Nando’s peri peri chicken using an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal in a healthier, quicker way.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm for their ability to create crispy, fried-like textures with far less oil than traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers can produce remarkably juicy chicken with a crispy skin, making them perfect for replicating the iconic Nando’s experience.

Ingredients

To recreate Nando’s peri peri chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Peri Peri Marinade:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best results)
• 2 tablespoons peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: fresh herbs (such as coriander or parsley) for garnish

Homemade Peri Peri Sauce (if making from scratch):

• 2 red bell peppers, roasted
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or cider)
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar for sweetness

Method

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • If you’re making your peri peri sauce from scratch, blend the roasted bell peppers, vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
   • In a small bowl, combine the peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavourful marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. For the best flavour, marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if time allows.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for approximately 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Ensure that the pieces aren’t overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
   • Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
5. Serve:
   • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with your choice of sides—think sweet potato fries or a refreshing salad.

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Peri Peri Chicken

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade or use a milder peri peri sauce.
• For Extra Crispiness: For an even crisper skin, you can lightly coat the chicken with a small amount of baking powder before marinating.
• Experiment with Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the size of your chicken thighs and the specific air fryer model. Always check the internal temperature to ensure safe consumption.

Conclusion

Creating Nando’s peri peri chicken in your air fryer is not only simple but also a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant favourite at home. With its vibrant flavours and tender meat, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself opting for homemade peri peri chicken more often than heading out for a takeaway! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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