Air Fryer Harissa Chicken
This Air Fryer Harissa Chicken is tender, marinated chicken coated in a outrageously good harissa marinade. This Middle Eastern inspired chicken is spicy, juicy and so easy to make in the air fryer!
I think I like this harissa chicken more than my shawarma chicken – and I am a huge shawarma fan. That is saying a lot. This harissa marinade has quietly become my favourite for chicken dishes and I am already planning to try it on fish next.
Harissa is a chilli paste from North Africa and the Middle East, made with red chillies and warming spices. It has a deep, smoky, slightly tangy flavour that is unlike anything else. Some people make the paste at home but I haven’t ventured that far yet, since it’s easily found in most stores.
I buy the PC brand harissa paste here in Canada (Mina brand for those in the US). I like that they’re both mild and made with red peppers, not just chillies. My six year old asked for seconds, so that tells you everything you need to know about the heat level.
This harissa chicken is mildly spicy but tastes fresh, and I like to say “it’s a party in your mouth”. We love it stuffed into warm pita with hummus, garlic sauce, a sprinkle of herbs, and sliced onions. I am certain you are going to love it too.
Key Things to Know Before You Start
- Not all harissa pastes are the same. Some brands use only chillies and spices and can be quite spicy. The harissa paste I used here is made with red peppers and mildly spicy – great for families or anyone who does not love too much heat.
- Don’t skip the marinating. Plan to give this at least 30 minutes. A couple of hours is even better if you have the time. The flavour gets so much better, trust me!
Ingredients in Harissa Chicken
- Chicken thighs – Thighs are my personal preference as it’s a juicier cut of meat but I’ve used chicken breast too. Pound the chicken breast so they cook through evenly.
- Harissa paste – The star ingredient. I used PC harissa paste. (Mina harissa for those in the US). This paste has both chillies and red peppers. Check the label for spice level.
- Spices – Harissa paste has some spices added but we’re adding more to flavor the chicken. Cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika for the gorgeous colour and smokey flavor.
- Olive oil – I like to stick to a good quality extra virgin olive for this recipe.
- Lemon juice – Adds freshness to the marinade.
- Garlic – It won’t be a Moroccan dish without garlic in it.
How to Make Air Fryer Harissa Chicken
*Scroll down for the printable recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Prep the Chicken – Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat or skin if needed. Drying them first really helps the marinade stick.
- Make the Marinade – In a large bowl, combine the harissa paste, salt, pepper, cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to bring it all together.
- Coat and Marinate – Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well so every piece is fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have a couple of hours, even better.
- Air Fry – Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). If it needs a little more time, air fry for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rest and Slice Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps all those juices locked in. Slice it up and use it in wraps, bowls, or serve it whole alongside rice and salads.
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Serving Suggestions
I love sliced harissa chicken tucked into warm pita bread with hummus, garlic sauce, and some sliced onions. You don’t need whole lot of veggies because you want to taste the chicken.
That being said, they pair well with yogurt like the tzatziki to take the heat down a notch. Rice is also a good option. I’d pair with basmati rice or yellow rice in this Halal Cart Rice and Bowl Recipe. Serve with a side of sliced mini cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and some fresh herbs.
DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Recipe
Air Fryer Harissa Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs approx. 1 lb / 450g
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice about ¼ lemon
To Serve
- Pita bread or rice
- Hummus, garlic sauce or tzatziki (or any yogurt based sauce)
- Sliced onions, fresh herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat or skin if needed. Drying them first really helps the marinade stick.
- In a large bowl, combine the harissa paste, salt, pepper, cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to bring it all together.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well so every piece is fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have a couple of hours, even better.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). If it needs a little more time, air fry for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps all those juices locked in. Slice it up and use it in wraps, bowls, or serve it whole alongside rice and salads.
Notes
- Harissa paste heat levels vary. Pastes made with only chillies and spices can be quite hot. Taste before adding the full amount. PC brand
(here in Canada)and Mina(in the US) are mildly spicy and great for families with kids or who don’t tolerate heat. - Storage – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, Air fry at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.