Air fryer chicken breast is a go-to easy dinner – and this piri piri version is full of bold, spicy flavour with minimal effort. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, and works just as well in wraps, rice bowls, or couscous salads (like my Piri Piri Chicken Couscous Salad!).
You can use a pre-made piri piri spice mix, or quickly mix up your own from common cupboard spices. Either way, this one’s got just the right kick without being overpowering.
What You Need
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
Chicken Breasts: I used two but you can use as many as needed. Try to choose similar sizes for even cooking. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness.
Olive Oil: helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy in the air fryer.
Piri Piri Seasoning
- Option 1: Use 1 to 1½ tsp of pre-made piri piri spice mix per chicken breast.
- Option 2: Make your own:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne or chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest (optional)
Making It
Season the chicken – coat your chicken breasts in a little olive oil, then rub in your piri piri seasoning. You can go with a pre-made mix or throw together your own – whatever you’ve got to hand. Alternatively you can mix the piri piri spice mix in with the oil in a bowl and then spread it over the chicken, either method works.
Put into the air fryer – lay the chicken breasts flat in the basket in a single layer. If your air fryer tends to stick, you can use perforated parchment or give the basket a quick spray of oil.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, at 180°C / 360°F, flipping halfway. The exact time will depend on how thick your chicken is – thinner ones will cook quicker.
Check the temp – use a meat thermometer if you have one – you want the thickest part of the chicken to hit 75°C / 165°F.
Let it rest – once cooked, give the chicken a couple of minutes to rest. This helps keep all those lovely juices in.
How To Use Piri Piri Chicken
This chicken is incredibly versatile:
- Slice and serve with couscous, rice, or salads
- Add to wraps or flatbreads with yoghurt and greens
- Serve with roasted veg, chips, or coleslaw for a full meal
- Meal prep it for easy lunches throughout the week
Tips
- Want it spicier? Add extra cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Too spicy? Serve with a little yoghurt or a squeeze of lemon.
- You can also try this with boneless chicken thighs – adjust cooking time as needed.
More Chicken Recipes For The Air Fryer
Are you looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? Check out some of these for inspiration.
- Moroccan Inspired Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Tikka Drumsticks in the Air Fryer
- Cooking a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Hunters Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
Air Fryer Piri Piri Chicken Breast
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Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp piri piri spice mix*
Instructions
- Mix the oil and seasoning (pre-made or DIY) and coat both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Cook until internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F). How long it takes will depend on the thickness of the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve warm or cold.
Video
Notes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes or cayenne
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an estimate.