Jerk Chicken In An Air Fryer: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Jerk chicken is a popular dish that is traditionally cooked over pimento wood and slow-cooked over a fire, resulting in a smokey flavour. The spice that jerk is known for comes from the wet paste that the chicken is marinated in before cooking. This process can be replicated in an air fryer, which is a quick and easy way to cook the dish. Air fryers are super easy to use and can produce juicy, flavoursome jerk chicken with a lot less mess.

Marinating the chicken

For the marinade, you can use a store-bought jerk paste or make your own. If you're making your own, you can include ingredients such as scotch bonnet chillies, habaneros, green onions, and chicken thighs. You can also add a couple of drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade to give it a smoky flavour.

Once you've prepared your marinade, place the chicken in a container or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring that each piece of chicken is fully coated. Use tongs to turn the chicken over so that it is evenly coated. You can also use your hands to combine the chicken and marinade, but be sure to wear gloves if your marinade includes spicy peppers.

After coating the chicken, place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The ideal marinating time varies depending on the recipe, with some recommending a minimum of 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 4 hours, while others suggest marinating overnight for maximum flavour.

Air fryer settings

To cook jerk chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 320°F and 400°F. The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on the type and size of the chicken pieces you're using. For example, if you're cooking chicken wings, a temperature of 400°F for 20 minutes should be sufficient. On the other hand, chicken thighs may require a lower temperature of 320°F for 20 minutes, and chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

When placing the chicken in the air fryer, make sure the skin side is down to ensure the skin gets crispy without burning. You may also want to mist the air fryer basket with vegetable oil or line the tray for easy cleanup. It's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking on both sides. For extra flavour and colour, you can brush the chicken with BBQ sauce or the jerk marinade during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Once the chicken is cooked to the desired temperature and colour, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. You can also sprinkle it with cilantro or parsley, and squeeze some lime juice over it for added flavour.

Cooking time

The cooking time for jerk chicken in an air fryer varies depending on the cut of chicken and the specific recipe followed.

For chicken drumsticks, one recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and setting the timer for 15 minutes. After the initial 15 minutes, flip the chicken and set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for another 7 minutes. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through. If the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is ready to be served. This entire process should take between 22 and 25 minutes.

For chicken thighs, another recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes. Mist the basket with vegetable oil and place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 20 minutes, checking on them halfway through and turning them over. The juices should run clear, and there should be no pink bits. If you have a meat thermometer, the inside of the chicken should read 75 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are using a different cut of chicken, such as chicken breasts or wings, adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is cooked through.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, as different air fryers can cook at slightly different rates. It is always a good idea to check on the chicken periodically during the cooking process to ensure it is not overcooked or undercooked.

Chicken cuts

Yes, you can cook jerk chicken in an air fryer. To make juicy jerk chicken, marinate chicken thighs or drumsticks in a homemade jerk paste or a store-bought jerk marinade. You can also add a couple of drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the marinade for a smoky flavor.

Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 320 degrees Fahrenheit and mist the basket with vegetable oil. Place the chicken pieces, skin-side down, in the basket and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Breasts

The breast is a white meat cut that can be separated from the wings. However, a chicken breast with the drumette portion of the wing still attached is called a suprême. The breast can also be further broken down, and the tenderloins (fillets) removed. The portion without the tenderloin can be pounded into a thin cutlet known as a paillard.

Wings

Wings can be divided into three parts: the drumette, which resembles a mini drumstick; the wingette or flat, which is flatter with two bones; and the wingtip. Wings are often served as appetizers or snacks and can be prepared by deep-frying, baking, or grilling.

Thighs

Thighs are dark meat cuts that can be cooked bone-in or deboned, with or without skin. Boneless and skinless thighs are versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as stir-fries, where they are sliced or diced.

Drumsticks

Drumsticks are the lower part of the chicken leg and are usually cooked bone-in. They are popular for their affordability, ease of eating, and juicy texture. Drumsticks are great for grilling, roasting, or frying.

Leg Quarters

Leg quarters combine the thigh and drumstick and are ideal for slow-cooking methods like braising or roasting.

Serving suggestions

Jerk chicken is usually served dry without a sauce, but you can baste the chicken while cooking with jerk barbecue sauce if you prefer your chicken saucier. You can also serve the barbecue sauce as a dipping sauce on the side.

Jerk chicken goes well with rice, vegetables, salads, and potatoes. It can also be used to make a tasty sandwich.

If you're making jerk chicken wings, you can serve them with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Some classic Caribbean side dishes that go well with jerk chicken include:

• Rice and peas (pigeon peas or kidney beans with rice)
• Sweet potato fries
• Cucumber salad
• Plantain chips

Frequently asked questions