Air Fryer El Pollo Loco Chicken (Copycat)

This is one of my favorite chicken recipes, although if you have never gone to an El Pollo Loco Restaurant, you might be wondering why the chicken appears yellow. Today, I will show you how to make an Air Fryer El Pollo Loco Chicken (Copycat).

Last year, I had a chance to go to California for vacation, and my friend took me to an El Pollo Loco, knowing how much I love a good piece of chicken. I am pleased to say I had a great meal, and I put it on my list of recipes to prepare in my air fryer because everyone loves a good piece of chicken.

Today, I researched what makes a copycat version of El Pollo chicken, found a copycat recipe, and decided to try it in my air fryer. The results speak for themselves; you get a fabulous and flavorful piece of chicken or a whole bird.

Air Fryer El Pollo Loco Chicken (Copycat)

Ingredients:

3 to 4 pound chicken

El Pollo Chicken Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Simple Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the white vinegar, garlic, salt, oregano, black pepper, jalapeno peppers, pineapple juice, lime juice, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
2. Add your chicken to the marinade, cover, and place it into the refrigerator for about 8 to 10 hours.
3. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees F, for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken and air fry for another 15-25 minutes.
4. Note: Your chicken’s actual time will depend on the air fryer you own and how large your chicken is. Always check with a meat thermometer until the temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
5. Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Air Fryer El Pollo Loco Chicken (Copycat)

Notes About This Recipe:

1. I did omit the food coloring out from the recipe, as the true Copycat version used Yellow Food Coloring. I left it out since I was making this dinner for my family, and really didn’t want to serve them yellow food coloring.
2. The actual air frying time for this chicken will depend on how large your chicken is and what type of air fryer you are using. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is fully cooked.

Some Other Great Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipes–

• AIR FRYER SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN
• AIR FRYER, ROTISSERIE ROASTED CHICKEN (WHOLE CHICKEN)
• NINJA FOODI, AIR FRYER. ROTISSERIE ROASTED CHICKEN (WHOLE CHICKEN)

SOME HELPFUL PRODUCTS USED,

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