Air fryer butterflied chicken

Ingredients
What is harissa?
Serve air fryer butterflied chicken with…
More air fryer dinners

Marinated in fiery harissa and lemon, and served with zingy orange couscous, this air fryer butterflied chicken is sure to become a favourite.

It’s a brilliantly simple yet flavour-packed dish, resulting in crispy, golden skin and juicy meat.

Ingredients

1.4kg whole chicken

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons sweet paprika

1 tablespoon harissa paste (see tip)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

olive oil cooking spray

1 cup (200g) couscous

1 cup (250ml) boiling water

½ cup coriander leaves

2 medium oranges (480g), peeled, sliced thinly

Greek yoghurt and sea salt flakes, to serve

Method

Place chicken, breast-side down, on a board. Using poultry shears, cut down both sides of the backbone and discard. Open out the chicken, turn it over and press down on the breastbone with the heel of your hand to flatten.

Combine garlic, lemon juice, paprika, harissa and oil in a large shallow dish; add chicken and turn to coat in marinade. Cover dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat a 7-litre air fryer to 180˚C for 5 minutes.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Taking care, place chicken, skin-side up, in the basket, then cover loosely with foil; at 180˚C, cook for 20 minutes. Remove foil. Cook for a further 20 minutes until juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of a thigh. Transfer chicken to a dish; cover with foil and rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make couscous, combine couscous and the boiling water in a large heatproof bowl. Cover and stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff couscous with a fork; stir in coriander and season to taste.

Serve air fryer butterflied chicken with couscous, oranges and yoghurt; drizzle with any cooking juices from the bottom of the air fryer pan and sprinkle with salt flakes.

What is harissa?

Harissa is a North African paste made from dried red chillies, garlic, olive oil and caraway seeds. Use it as a rub for meat, an ingredient in sauces and dressings, or as a condiment.

Harissa is available from Middle Eastern food shops and supermarkets. Harissa brands can vary in heat, so use according to taste.

Serve air fryer butterflied chicken with…

We serve this air fryer chicken alongside orange couscous with fresh coriander, and Greek yoghurt to cool the heat. It’s an impressive main for lunch or dinner, or as part of a wider feast on special occasions.