Air Fryer Nandos Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're craving Nando's chicken but don't want to leave the house, you can easily make it at home using an air fryer. This method will give you deliciously crunchy, juicy chicken with a fried texture but without all the oil. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks, or tenders, and bone-in or boneless options. The key to getting that signature Nando's flavour is to marinate the chicken in a peri peri sauce or rub, which you can make yourself or buy from the supermarket.

How to make the marinade

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Nando's Peri Peri rub (Lemon & Herb, Medium, Hot & Smokey BBQ)
• Red chilli ginger and garlic paste
• Red chilli flakes
• Tomato sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Freshly chopped coriander
• Cream (optional)
• Tomato puree

Method

Firstly, prepare your chicken breasts by removing any fat or gristle. Then, add olive oil to the chicken breasts. Next, pour the Peri Peri rub into a bowl and massage the chicken breasts until they are fully covered. You can also add in the red chilli ginger and garlic paste, red chilli flakes, tomato sauce, and mayonnaise. If you want to add a creamy texture to your marinade, you can add a tablespoon of cream. Lastly, add freshly chopped coriander to the mixture.

Once you have prepared the marinade, place the chicken breasts into a bowl and spread the marinade over them. Flip the chicken breasts over and coat the other side as well.

Preparing the chicken

The first step in preparing the chicken is to remove any fat or gristle from the chicken fillets or wings. You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, chicken wings, or just about any other cut of chicken. If you are using chicken wings, you can cut them apart for better texture and to make them easier to eat.

Next, you will need to add oil to the chicken. You can use extra virgin olive oil or spray oil. Add just enough oil to help crisp the wings and allow the salt and pepper to stick. Generously salt and pepper the chicken. You can also add other seasonings, such as Nando's Peri Peri rub, which comes in different flavours like lemon and herb, medium, hot, and smokey BBQ. Massage the chicken well to ensure all pieces are fully coated.

If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken, you can marinate it before cooking. To make a marinade, you can use a store-bought Nando's Peri Peri sauce or make your own by blending ingredients like red chillies, garlic, lime, olive oil, and oregano. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or bowl, add the marinade, and shake or mix until the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.

Once your chicken is prepared and seasoned or marinated, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer.

Cooking the chicken

There are a few different ways to cook Nando's chicken in an air fryer, depending on the type of chicken you are using.

Chicken wings

Firstly, if you are using chicken wings, you can cut them apart for the best texture and to make them easier to eat. Then, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the wings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded, and fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. After 25 minutes, shake the wings again and fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes to make them extra crunchy.

Chicken breasts

If you are using chicken breasts, you can marinate them in a mixture of olive oil and Nando's peri peri rub, or a homemade marinade. Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through. Check the temperature of the chicken before serving to ensure it is 74 degrees Celsius/165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Chicken drumsticks

For chicken drumsticks, you can marinate them in a mixture of piri piri sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks, baste with more piri piri sauce, and cook for another 10 minutes. Check the temperature of the chicken and add more time if needed.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your homemade Nando's chicken. Here are some ideas:

Sides

• Chips (or "fries") – these can be air-fried, frozen, or even made from sweet potatoes
• Halloumi fries
• Jacket potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Rice – try Ninja Foodi white rice, Spanish cauliflower rice, or spicy rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Coleslaw
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Hasselback potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Garlic bread
• Flatbreads

Dips and Sauces

• Peri peri sauce
• Sweet chilli jam
• Brown sugar BBQ sauce
• Hummus

As Part of a Dish

• Peri peri chicken wrap – add hummus, chilli jam, and fresh salad to a soft tortilla wrap
• Peri peri chicken rice bowl – add some peas, olives, hummus, and coleslaw to a bowl of rice
• Peri peri chicken with sweet potato mash – top with sliced chicken breast and add some peas and homemade brioche garlic bread
• Chicken with spicy fries – add slices of chicken to a bowl of spicy fries, peas, and coleslaw

Storing and reheating

Nando's chicken will last in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored correctly. To store it, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking or consumption. The refrigerator temperature should be below 40°F (4°C).

If you want to freeze the chicken, it is best to do so as soon as it reaches room temperature after cooking. Do not put it in the freezer while it is still hot, or if it has been left out all night. Defrost thoroughly before reheating. Freezing may affect the texture and moisture of the chicken, so it is best to consume it fresh.

To reheat the chicken, you can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, or frying pan. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 180°C for 5 minutes. If you have any Nando's sauce, you can add some to the chicken, or use a drop of oil, water, or Frylight to help add moisture. Place the chicken in the air fryer, ensuring there is space for hot air to circulate. Reheat for 5-8 minutes or until steaming hot (internal temperature of 75°C).

If using an oven, preheat it to 180°C. Place the chicken on an oven tray in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Add sauce or moisture and reheat for 6-10 minutes until steaming hot (internal temperature of 75°C).

For a microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer without overlapping pieces. Add chicken stock or water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp kitchen roll. Heat for 30 seconds per 100g, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

When using a frying pan, cut the chicken into small, equally-sized pieces, removing any bones. Preheat the pan on low heat and add a little oil, butter, or Frylight. Add the chicken and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions