Quick Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Some weeknights feel like a whirlwind—school pickups, toddler meltdowns, sports kit emergencies, and the constant question: “What’s for dinner?”
As a mum of three (who would rather be in a bubble bath than battling a stove at 7 PM), I’ve learned that flavourful doesn’t have to mean fussy. This Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is my secret weapon—packed with bold spices, crispy skin, and a creamy, zesty sauce that feels like a treat, even when you’re knackered.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes your family think you’ve done something fancy, but really, it’s just you… winning at life with your air fryer, your soft girl CEO energy, and a little bit of lime juice magic.

Before we dive in—yes, I use my beloved Ninja Air Fryer for this recipe. I’ve tested a few, and this one has honestly changed how I cook dinner with three kids running around. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend it.

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All opinions remain my own.

Discover how to make juicy Peruvian chicken with a zesty green sauce using your air fryer. A quick, flavorful meal for busy weeknights.

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What Makes This Dish So Special?

Peruvian chicken, also known as Pollo a la Brasa, is traditionally roasted over flames and served with a spicy green sauce. But we’re giving it a modern mum upgrade—the same juicy meat, crispy skin, and that bold smoky flavour, but made in the air fryer. Because:

• It’s faster.
• It’s crispier.
• It’s way less cleanup.

Pair it with the creamy cilantro-jalapeño aji verde sauce, and dinner becomes something dreamy—even on a school night.

Ingredients for Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs (approx. 900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde):

• 1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, loosely packed
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed (or keep them in for heat!)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pop the chicken into a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Rub it all in and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight in the fridge.

Charlotte Tip: Do this during nap time or after the school run (while they are snacking)—marinated chicken = low-stress dinner win.

Step 2: Make the Green Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine all green sauce ingredients: coriander, yogurt, jalapeño, green onions, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil.
Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Charlotte Tip: This sauce gets even better after chilling, so make it ahead and let it sit in the fridge while the chicken cooks. It’s also amazing on chips, veggies, or sandwiches!

Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). If you have a Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer, there is no need to preheat (Bonus)
Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
Place the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd!

Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway (ask Alexa to remind you), until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Charlotte Tip: Every air fryer is different—check the chicken around 22 minutes to avoid overcooking. If it looks crispy and juicy, it’s ready!

Step 4: Serve & Swoon

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to seal in the juices.
Drizzle or serve with a generous spoonful of the green sauce on the side. Pair with fluffy rice, a fresh salad, or roasted veg.

Charlotte Tip: If your kids are sauce-skeptical, serve theirs plain and use the sauce as a dipping option. No pressure, just delicious options.

My Serving Suggestions for Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce:

• Rice + black beans for a filling, fuss-free dinner
• Sweet potato fries (air fryer them while the chicken rests!)
• Fresh mango or avocado salad for tropical vibes
• Extra sauce—trust me, you’ll want it on everything

Before You Go

From Chaos to Crispy in 30 Minutes

You don’t need a gourmet kitchen or hours of spare time to serve up something delicious. This air fryer Peruvian chicken with green sauce is proof that flavour and simplicity can (and should) coexist—especially for mums who are juggling everything and still want to enjoy good food.

Make it once, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
✨ Crispy. Zesty. Effortless. ✨

If you love this recipe, pin it on Pinterest and tag me when you make it—I’d love to see your dreamy dinners in action.