Air-Fried Jerk Chicken: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Jerk chicken is a popular dish that originated in Jamaica. It is known for its spicy and sweet flavours, achieved through a marinade of scotch bonnet chillies, garlic, ginger, and various spices. Traditionally, jerk chicken is cooked over pimento wood for a smokey flavour, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or grill.

Marinating the chicken

To prepare the chicken for marination, it is recommended to pat the pieces dry with paper towels. You can then rub the jerk seasoning or wet paste all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin. Place the chicken in a large bowl or a ziplock bag, cover or seal, and leave to rest in the refrigerator.

For the marinade, you can use a store-bought jerk seasoning blend, or make your own by blending ingredients such as onion, spring onions, chillies, garlic, ginger, allspice, thyme, and soy sauce. You can also add a little oil to help the marinade coat the chicken.

Once the chicken is done marinating, it's time to cook it in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F and place the chicken pieces inside in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Now you know the basics of marinating jerk chicken for the air fryer! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique blend.

Air fryer settings

To make jerk chicken in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350–380°F (177–193 °C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible, and cook for 20–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For extra crispy chicken, you can cook at 400°F (204°C) for the final 7 minutes of cooking time.

Cooking time

The cooking time for jerk chicken in an air fryer varies depending on the type of chicken used. For chicken drumsticks, the air fryer should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, and then to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. The chicken is cooked for a total of 22-25 minutes. For chicken wings, the air fryer should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Chicken leg quarters should be cooked for 27-30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific air fryer model. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for dark meat (such as legs and thighs) and 160 degrees Fahrenheit for white meat (such as breasts).

Additionally, the chicken should be marinated before cooking to enhance the flavour. The marinade time can vary from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the recipe.

Chicken types

Jerk chicken can be made with various chicken cuts, and the choice of cut can depend on the desired cooking method and flavour profile. Here is a guide to some of the most common types of chicken cuts used in cooking:

Whole Chicken

A whole chicken offers a variety of flavours and dishes from a single bird, including breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, back, and leftovers that can be used in sandwiches, salads, and stir-fries. It can be prepared in numerous ways, such as smoking, deep-frying, grilling, roasting, rotisserie, baking, spatchcock.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a lean, mild-flavoured white meat consisting of two halves. It is more expensive than other cuts and dries out when overcooked. It can be cooked in various ways, including baking, poaching, roasting, and grilling. There are several types of chicken breast cuts, such as boneless, split, airline (or Statler), and bone-in.

Chicken Tenderloin (or Tenders)

Chicken tenderloin, also known as tenders, fingers, strips, or goujons, is a white meat cut found under the breast. It has a tender texture and is moister than most white meat cuts, making it perfect for breading and frying. Tenderloin can be used interchangeably with breast meat in most recipes and is ideal for air fryers due to its small size and quick cooking time.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are white meat cuts that are cheaper than breasts or thighs. They have less meat but are juicier than breasts and have a concentrated flavour, making them great for smoking. Wings can be served whole or in portions, such as drumettes (the thickest part of the wing) and wingettes (flats).

Chicken Legs

Chicken legs are a versatile cut that includes both the drumstick and the thigh. They have a longer cooking time than drumsticks or thighs alone and are more flavourful due to the fat and bones. Chicken legs are ideal for single-person meals as they are filling and nutritious. They can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, roasting, slow cooking, and baking.

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are the lower part of the leg, separated from the thigh. They are often served alone as finger food and are very juicy and flavourful. Drumsticks are typically seasoned or marinated and then grilled, baked, fried, barbecued, or roasted.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the upper part of the leg and are separated from the drumstick at the knee and hip joints. They are a favourite dark meat cut, known for their moisture, flavour, and lower cost compared to breasts. Thighs are commonly marinated and then grilled, fried, roasted, braised, or baked. There are two types of chicken thigh cuts: boneless (or fillets) and bone-in (or cutlets).

Serving suggestions

Jerk chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the flavours of jerk chicken:

Rice and Beans

The traditional Caribbean side dish of rice and beans is a perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken. The rice absorbs the flavours of the beans and seasonings, creating a hearty and flavourful dish. This can be made in an instant pot for added convenience.

Salads

A fresh salad can help balance out the spiciness of the jerk chicken. Try a quinoa avocado salad or a mango salsa to add a touch of sweetness to your meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted sweet potatoes are a great option to serve with jerk chicken. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the spicy and savoury flavours of the chicken. You could also try roasted cabbage wedges or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

Plantains

Plantains are a staple food in many Caribbean countries and make a great side dish for jerk chicken. They can be baked, fried, or grilled and provide a starchy, slightly sweet component to the meal.

Bread

While not traditional, some bread or rolls can help round out the meal and soak up any extra sauce. If you're looking for a bread replacement, keto air fryer rolls are a great option.

Sauces

Jerk chicken is typically served dry without a sauce, but you can add some extra flavour by basting the chicken with a jerk BBQ sauce while cooking. You can also serve the BBQ sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.

Drinks

Don't forget to serve some cold drinks with your jerk chicken, especially if you're serving spicy wings! A cold beer or some refreshing water will help cool down your palate between bites.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring jerk chicken as the star. Enjoy experimenting with different sides and sauces to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions