Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs
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Sizzling Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs: A 30-Minute Caribbean Escape

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Introduction

Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked beaches of Jamaica with our Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs recipe! This dish captures the bold, spicy flavors of traditional jerk seasoning, combined with juicy chicken thighs, all achieved with the convenience of air frying.

Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for a quick yet exotic weeknight dinner that will make you feel like you’re dining in the Caribbean.

Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs - jerk seasoned chicken thighs on a white gold-rimmed ceramic plate with lime wedges and a sprig of fresh thyme

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and exotic: Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Bold flavors: Authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning brings the heat and spice
  • Healthier option: Uses minimal oil while delivering maximum taste
  • Versatile: Great on its own, with rice and peas, or in a wrap

Ingredients

For the jerk seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 lime, juiced

Optional for serving: lime wedges, fresh cilantro, sliced scotch bonnet peppers (if you dare!)

Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs - chicken thighs, small gold-rimmed white bowls with spices, a bottle of oil, fresh limes, and thyme sprigs

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Pro Tip: The Cosori Air Fryer ensures perfectly crispy skin while infusing the chicken with the aromatic jerk seasoning!

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix all the jerk seasoning ingredients.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub them with vegetable oil.
  3. Generously coat each chicken thigh with the jerk seasoning, making sure to get some under the skin.
  4. Let the seasoned chicken sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors (or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for more intense flavor).
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  6. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  7. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs.
  8. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  9. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken thighs.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  11. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.
Preparing the Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs

Tips for Success

  • For maximum flavor, prepare the jerk seasoning in advance and marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

Variations

  • Pineapple Jerk: Add 1/4 cup of finely diced pineapple to the seasoning mix for a fruity twist.
  • Coconut Jerk: Replace 1 tablespoon of the oil with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
regular jerk seasoned chicken thighs and the pineapple jerk variation on white gold-rimmed plates

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs with traditional Jamaican rice and peas, and a side of plantains for an authentic Caribbean meal. For an extra special presentation, use these beautiful White and Gold Serving Platters.

Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs with rice and peas and fried plantains on a white and gold rimmed platter

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container like these Glass Food Storage Containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs recipe, you might also like these recipes from our Air Fryer Chicken collection:

For more delicious air fryer chicken recipes, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Round-up Post or explore our Air Fryer Chicken Breast Round-up Post for a variety of air fryer chicken dishes.

Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs Conclusion

We hope this Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Chicken Thighs recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Jamaica to your dinner table! It’s a perfect example of how air frying can create authentic, restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort and time. Don’t forget to share your jerk chicken creations with us on social media and let us know your favorite way to serve these spicy, aromatic chicken thighs in the comments below.

Close-up of a bite of jerk seasoned chicken thigh on a gold fork

Happy air frying!

This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Chicken series. Discover more air fryer chicken recipes in our [Link to Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post] or explore all our air fryer chicken collections in our [Link to Master Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post].

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