Jerk Chicken (Air Fryer) with Jerk Gravy

Jerk chicken… in the air fryer… with JERK GRAVY , We had to test this one properly… and I can’t lie —this might be one of the best ones yet. Juicy, packed with flavour, and that jerk gravy on top… madness. 

Welcome to our Jamaican Air Fryer series — where we try Jamaican classics in an air fryer & see if it actually tastes good!

Big, bold Jamaican flavours made easier. This air fryer jerk chicken delivers juicy, caramelised chicken with a rich, smoky jerk gravy — all with less mess and less oil.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 6–8 chicken pieces (thighs/drumsticks) 
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 
  • 1 tbsp jerk seasoning 

Fresh Jerk Marinade

  • 1 small onion, halved 
  • 4 spring onions 
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme 
  • 8 pimento seeds (or 1 tbsp allspice) 
  • 1 tsp black pepper 
  • 1 tsp salt 
  • 2 tbsp sugar 
  • 25ml white vinegar 
  • Juice of 1 lime 
  • 1 tsp browning 
  • 125lml water

Jerk Gravy

  • 4 tbsp jerk BBQ sauce 
  • 250ml chicken stock 
  • 1 tsp browning 
  1. Make the marinade
    Add all marinade ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. 
  2. Prepare the chicken
    Wash and pat dry, then score the chicken. 
  3. Season
    Rub with olive oil, jerk seasoning and the fresh marinade.
    Massage well and marinate for at least 1 hour.

 Method (Air Fryer)

  1. Prepare the jerk marinade
    Place the onion, spring onions, thyme, pimento, black pepper, salt, sugar, vinegar, lime juice and browning into a blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. Prepare the chicken
    Pat the chicken dry and make shallow cuts (scores) into the flesh to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
  3. Season and marinate
    Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, jerk seasoning and prepared marinade. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
    Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the fridge for best results.
  4. Cook the chicken
    Arrange the chicken in an ovenproof tray that fits inside the air fryer. Cook at 180°C for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelised.
  5. Prepare the jerk gravy
    Remove the tray from the air fryer, keeping all cooking juices. Add the jerk BBQ sauce, chicken stock and browning to the tray. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
  6. Finish the dish
    Return the tray to the air fryer and cook at 200°C for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and develop into a rich gravy.
  7. Serve
    Chop the chicken into serving pieces and spoon the jerk gravy over the top.

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