Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Thighs! Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors, this recipe brings the heat with a homemade jerk seasoning mix. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner!

Air fryer jerk chicken thighs, crispy and perfectly seasoned with homemade jerk seasoning.
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Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for those craving bold, spicy flavors. The chicken thighs are coated in a rich jerk seasoning blend featuring ingredients like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, which gives them a perfect balance of heat and aromatic depth.

Cooked in the air fryer, the thighs develop a crispy skin while staying juicy and tender on the inside, making them a quick and satisfying dinner option. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or a side salad, these jerk chicken thighs bring a delicious taste of to your table with minimal effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • The bold and aromatic jerk seasoning adds an irresistible kick to every bite.
  • Air frying ensures a crispy, golden skin while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
  • This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
  • It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying without sacrificing flavor.
  • The dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to suit any taste.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Thighs on kitchen table.
  • Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, bone-in chicken thighs, chicken wings, chicken legs, or even chicken breast. Although the cooking time will change depending on the part of the chicken you are using, so remember to use a meat thermometer.
  • Jerk Seasoning: Homemade or Store bought!

How To Make Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Thighs

  • Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.Make the Jerk Marinade: In a bowl, combine ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, scotch bonnet pepper (or chili flakes for heat), and salt. Mix well to form a thick paste.Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the jerk seasoning mixture. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is crispy on the outside.Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite side
Set the temperature to 350 degrees F, for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes spray the chicken with a generous mist of olive oil. and air fry for another 5 minutes. (MAKE sure you check the internal temperature of the chicken, before removing them, if they need more time, add a couple of minutes, EVERY air fryer is different)

Tips For Making Jerk Chicken In Air Fryer

While Jerk Chicken is typically made on the grill, it can also be made in an air fryer with excellent results. Here are a few tips for making delicious Jerk Chicken in an air fryer.

  • The chicken should be marinated for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, in order to fully absorb the flavors of the spice blend.
  • When the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot with your favorite sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Jerk Seasoning

Jerk seasoning is a Jamaican spice blend that typically includes allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. The exact ingredients and proportions vary depending on the recipe, but all of these spices work together to create a fragrant, flavorful seasoning that can be used on chicken, fish, pork, and vegetables. Jerk seasoning is usually made into a paste or marinade, which is then rubbed onto the meat before cooking. The result is a moist, juicy piece of meat with a spicy kick. For those who like it extra hot, jerk seasoning can also be used as a dipping sauce or condiment. No matter how you enjoy it, jerk seasoning is a delicious way to add some spice to your next meal.

What Type Of Chicken Can I Use For This Recipe

You can use any type of chicken for this recipe, but we recommend using skinless, boneless chicken thighs. This will help to keep the calories and fat content down. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can try using chicken thighs or drumsticks.

Just be sure to remove the skin before cooking. For a more festive dish, you can even use a whole roasted chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. No matter what type of chicken you use, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Can I Make This Recipe With Other Cuts Of Meat

Yes, you can use chicken wings, chicken drumsticks, chicken legs, or boneless, skinless chicken breast.

Sides To Serve With Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken can be served with anything from the classics like white rice and peas, to something a little more creative like mango salsa or plantain chips.

When planning your meal, consider whether you want to keep things traditional or get a little more creative. White rice and beans are classic sides that will soak up the jerk sauce and provide a hearty base for the meal. For something lighter, try a simple green salad or oven roasted sweet potatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mango salsa or plantain chips. No matter what you choose, jerk chicken is sure to be a hit!

Is Jerk Seasoning Spicy

Yes, jerk seasoning can be spicy. However, the level of spiciness will depend on the recipe that is used. Some recipes call for more peppers and spices, while others use more mild ingredients. So, if you are concerned about the spiciness of jerk seasoning, you may want to try a recipe that uses less peppers or spice.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some of our favorites, all of which are sure to please your taste buds.

For a classic flavor, try our air fryer chicken thighs. These are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The result is moist, juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor.

If you’re looking for something a little bit spicy, try our air fryer Buffalo chicken wings. These wings are coated in a homemade Buffalo sauce, then cooked until crispy in the air fryer. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish.

For a healthy option, try our air fryer grilled chicken. This recipe uses lean chicken breast that’s been marinated in a mixture of lemon juice and herbs, then grilled until cooked through. It makes a great main dish or can be served as an appetizer.

So there you have it – some of our favorite air fryer chicken recipes! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

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Air Fryer Jerk Chicken
Air-Fryer-Jerk-Chicken

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

This is a really easy recipe, which is also a really budget friendly meals, since chicken thighs are usually on sale. They are also really good in the air fryer, since they retain the moisture. Family Favorite

Ingredients 

  • 4-6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning

Instructions

  • Start by removing the fat from the chicken thighs. (If using skinless, skip this step)
  • Rub the spice over the chicken, both the back and front.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray.
  • Place the basket in the air fryer or the slide the tray into the air fryer.
  • Set the temperature to 350 degrees F, for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes spray the chicken with a generous mist of olive oil. and air fry for another 5 minutes. (MAKE sure you check the internal temperature of the chicken, before removing them, if they need more time, add a couple of minutes, EVERY air fryer is different)
  • Plate, serve and enjoy!

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 15gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 809IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

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