Craving a Nando’s peri peri chicken? Well, you’re not alone! In our house, we absolutely love Nando’s chicken. Known for its unique and mouth-watering grilled chicken, Nando’s has become a worldwide favourite. But what if you could recreate that delicious peri peri chicken at home, saving time, money, and even calories? Well, now you can! This easy recipe will show you how to make your very own Nando’s-style peri peri (or piri-piri, as some call it) chicken thighs using a simple air-fryer.
Making this dish at home is not only incredibly convenient, but it’s also healthier and much more affordable than ordering from a restaurant. The air fryer does an excellent job of making the chicken crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. Plus, it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, including preparation time! Imagine indulging in your favourite Nando’s-inspired meal without having to leave the house, all while saving energy and money.
For this recipe, I prefer using chicken thighs. They’re a bit fattier than other cuts of chicken, which gives them a much richer flavour. In my opinion, they taste way better than skinless chicken breasts and offer a juicier, more succulent bite. The extra fat helps the chicken stay moist while it cooks in the air fryer, ensuring you get that delicious crispy texture on the outside without sacrificing the tenderness on the inside.
So, if you’ve been craving a Nando’s-style chicken meal, why not try this easy and healthier air fryer version? It’s quick, cost-effective, and absolutely bursting with flavour – a perfect fake-away for any night of the week!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 16 to 18 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, a large mixing bowl, kitchen roll and tin foil.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Nando’s Chicken
X4 Bone in chicken thighs
X1 packet of Fajita seasoning mix (or make your own with chilli flakes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano)
X4 small corn on the cobs
Olive oil spray
To serve:
A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
A fresh chilli, thinly sliced
A packet of Microwave rice
Method
Start by patting your chicken pieces dry using kitchen roll – this helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier finish. Place the chicken into a large mixing bowl and give it a light spray with olive oil. Sprinkle over your fajita seasoning mix, saving about a tablespoon to use later for the corn. Toss the chicken thoroughly until each piece is completely coated in the spices.
Next, line your air fryer basket with tin foil to help keep things tidy and lock in flavor. Place the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side down onto the foil and set your air fryer to 190°C. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes to start.
While the chicken begins to cook, take your sweet corn – either corn on the cob halves or smaller chunks – and place them onto a sheet of tin foil. Spray them lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the reserved fajita seasoning over the corn, making sure it’s evenly coated. Wrap the corn in the foil to form a little parcel. After the chicken has been cooking for 5 minutes, add the corn parcel to the air fryer basket beside the chicken.
Once the chicken has reached the 10-minute mark, carefully open the foil and turn each chicken piece over so the skin side is facing up. Leave the foil open and continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes. Thicker pieces may require a bit more time – make sure the juices run clear and the skin is perfectly crispy and golden before removing.
Serve the chicken hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh coriander and a few sliced red chillies for an extra kick. Pair it with a side of microwave rice for a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal packed with bold, smoky flavours.
Tips for Air Fryer Nando’s Chicken
1. Use skin-on chicken for best results
Chicken thighs or drumsticks with the skin on hold up well in the air fryer and get deliciously crispy – just like the real deal.
2. Marinate well (and long!)
Marinate your chicken in peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade) for at least 2 hours (overnight if you can) for maximum flavour.
3. Score the meat
Make shallow cuts in larger pieces of chicken so the marinade penetrates deeper and helps the chicken cook evenly.
4. Preheat your air fryer
It is always beneficial to set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for a few minutes so that the chicken hits a hot surface right away, locking in juices and starting that crispy skin.
5. Don’t overcrowd
Give each piece of chicken some space. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures the skin crisps rather than steams.
6. Turn halfway through
Flip the chicken during cooking to get that signature Nando’s-style char on both sides.
7. Check the temperature
Use a meat thermometer if possible, chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) internally to be safely cooked through.
8. Baste for extra flavour
Brush extra peri-peri sauce over the chicken halfway through or just before serving for an extra fiery kick.
9. Let it rest
Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute. It keeps everything tender and juicy.
10. Serve with sides!
Pair with spicy rice, corn on the cob, slaw, or peri-peri fries for that full fake-away experience at home.
Similar recipes
Craving more spicy, flavour-packed meals like this Air Fryer Nando’s Chicken? Keep the fake-away vibes going with these easy, delicious air fryer recipes. Whether you’re building a full peri-peri platter or mixing it up with simple sides, these ideas help you recreate restaurant-style meals at home, with less mess, bold flavour, and minimal prep.
Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy, crispy-skinned chicken drumsticks cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ideal for pairing with Nando’s-style sides or slathering in extra peri-peri sauce. Great for sharing and packed with flavour in every bite.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, these easy air fried chicken tenders are perfect for sharing platters, dipping sauces, or as a kid-friendly option with a peri-peri twist.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn with a lightly charred finish. Brush with butter, peri-peri seasoning, or chilli flakes for that perfect spicy-sweet balance.
Air Fryer Halloumi
Golden and slightly crispy on the outside, soft and squeaky inside, this air fried halloumi makes a satisfying veggie side or protein-packed addition to a fake-away feast.
Air Fryer Courgettes
A light and healthy side that balances bold peri-peri flavours with tender, lightly caramelised veg. Ideal for rounding out a well-balanced plate.
These recipes are perfect for building your own DIY Nando’s night. Fast, flavourful, satisfying, and straight from your air fryer.
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.
Or check out my brand new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many many more useful features to make all your meal prepping so much easier!