Air Fryer Harissa Chicken

Spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering twist on classic chicken – introducing Harissa Chicken cooked to perfection in the air fryer!

This tantalizing recipe features skinless, bone-in chicken thighs generously coated with a flavorful blend of harissa paste, light mayo, garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Get ready for a harmonious symphony of bold and zesty flavors that will elevate your air fryer culinary adventure. Let's dive into the simplicity and deliciousness of this Harissa Chicken delight!

Calories in Air Fryer Harissa Chicken

These delicious harissa chicken makes 7 pieces of chicken and is 156 calories per chicken thigh

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 100+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Ingredients you need for Garlic Cilantro Fries

To make these fries you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken - I use bone in skinless chicken thighs for tender and flavoursome chicken
• Seasonings - just regular paprika, salt and black pepper, as the harissa pasta adds plenty of flavour.
• Harissa Paste - Choose your preferred brand of paste. I personally use 1.5 tablespoons for the ideal spice level, but feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
• Reduced Fat Mayonnaise - it strikes the right balance of heat and ensures the chicken stays wonderfully tender. I suggest avoiding extra-light mayo for this, as it doesn't yield as delicious of a coating.
• Garlic - fresh garlic minced, but lazy or jarred mince garlic is fine also
• Low Calorie Spray - I prefer to use a low calorie spray without any added emulsifiers.
• Fresh Mint Leaves - I use it as a garnish for the chicken, but parsley or cilantro works perfectly too. Personally, I adore the combination of fresh mint and a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside the chicken.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Variations on the Recipe

Here are some slight variations you can try for the ingredients for this Harissa Chicken

Meat Variation:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, feel free to substitute them for the bone-in version. They require a slightly shorter cooking time (approximately 16 minutes). Ensure thorough coating in the seasoning and paste, and flip them over halfway through the cooking time. I advise against using chicken breast for this recipe, as it won't result in the same tender and flavorful outcome.

Sweeten it up:

• Maple Syrup/Honey: For those who enjoy a sweet and spicy flavor, lightly drizzle some maple syrup or honey over the top during the last 2 minutes of cooking time (avoid adding it earlier to prevent burning on the chicken).

Add some zing:

• Lemon or Lime Juice: Elevate the flavour with a gentle squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the chicken once it's cooked, adding a delightful zing to the taste. While not a crucial ingredient, it brings a burst of freshness; don't stress if you don't have any on hand!

Cooking Air Fryer Harissa Chicken

This recipe is incredibly straightforward and fuss-free. Once you've seasoned and coated the chicken with the harissa/mayo mixture, give it a quick spray of oil, and it's ready to cook.

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, place the chicken on the grill plate, and let it cook for 20-22 minutes, remembering to flip it halfway through.

For those with a dual-basket air fryer, it's advisable to split the chicken between the two baskets. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so it's best to maintain a bit of space.

Keep a close eye on the cooking progress, as chicken thighs may vary in size, potentially requiring slightly less time.

Sides for Air Fryer Harissa Chicken

This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Enjoy it as is, complementing it with your preferred salad ingredients such as mixed baby greens, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and peppers.

For a heartier meal, I love serving it with long grain rice cooked in stock for an extra burst of flavour. Accompany the rice with sautéed peppers, onion, and courgette in a touch of olive oil, seasoned simply with salt and black pepper.

A dollop of Greek Yogurt on the side is the perfect addition too.

More Low Calorie Chicken Recipes

Are you in search of more low calorie Chicken recipes? Look no further! Here are some great choices below:

• Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
• Chicken in Creamy Sun-dried tomato sauce
• Quick Sriracha Chicken
• Korean Gochujang Chicken Drumsticks
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
• Chicken Arrabbiata Pasta

FAQ for Air Fryer Harissa Chicken