The Best Peruvian-Style Chicken Recipe in Your Air Fryer!

Let’s talk a bit about our love for chicken before we jump into today’s recipe: air fryer Peruvian chicken thighs! First of all, chicken is one of the most common proteins in my household. I meannnnnn, we go through a LOT of chicken dishes every week! 😂 And if you’ve been following my recipes, you already know this. From my smothered chicken breasts, creamy mushroom chicken breasts, air fryer chicken thighs, and Marry Me Chicken to chicken fettuccine Alfredo and my 9ja chicken wings suya, there’s always something delicious happening with chicken in my kitchen!

So, when I tasted smoked Peruvian chicken at an office event, it made such an impression on me that I knew I had to recreate something similar at home. It is a no-brainer; my family already loves chicken, so I figured this would be right up our alley! Plus, I was excited to bring another culture’s flavors to our dinner table. And that’s how my Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Thighs with Aji Verde Sauce came about!

These air fryer Peruvian chicken thighs are juicy, beautifully seasoned, and packed with flavor. A delicious marinade featuring ají amarillo paste, fresh lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, and warm spices makes this an easy chicken dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

And that creamy green sauce? Oh, HONEY! You’ll want to put it on everything! 😂💚

These Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Thighs are juicy, beautifully seasoned, and packed with flavor! Marinated with ají amarillo paste, lime, garlic, soy sauce, and warm spices, then air-fried until deliciously golden. Serve with creamy homemade aji verde sauce for an easy, flavorful chicken dinner that's perfect for family meals or entertaining.

A Little Friendsgiving Tradition and This Year’s Menu

You will agree with me that life gets busy and hectic, so a little time with the girls, aka girlfriends, is always a welcome break!

Every fall, before Thanksgiving, I love hosting a few girlfriends at my home. I typically prepare a few dishes, and we spend time chatting, laughing, catching up, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It’s really a low-key gathering, but I love being intentional about the food I serve. And one thing about me? I love creating exciting recipes and introducing the ladies to something they may have never tried before!

Last year, I made my Harvest Quinoa Pilaf, and it was a HIT! I also served jerk chicken, braised short ribs, and coconut basmati rice. For our nonalcoholic drink, I made my Cranberry Citrus Spritzer. Sooooo good!

Well, this year is going to be even more fun! I’m excited to serve my Mediterranean Bulgur Salad, these Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Thighs, and a few other delicious surprises you’ll find out about soon! I genuinely enjoy testing recipes ahead of Friendsgiving, and I appreciate you joining me in the process.

And the best part? When I tested these Peruvian chicken thighs, my family enthusiastically approved! So, that’s one recipe I’m especially excited to share with my girlfriends this year.

And speaking of my family’s approval, let me tell you what we ate that Sunday! 😂 When I tested these Peruvian chicken thighs for my upcoming Friendsgiving gathering, I served them with Jamaican rice and peas and my Mediterranean bulgur salad. The combination was SO good! We even spooned some of that creamy aji verde sauce over the rice and peas. Yes, PLEASE!

And that’s one of my favorite things about cooking: bringing different flavors and cultures to the same table and creating a meal everyone enjoys.

Why You’ll Love These Peruvian-Style Chicken Thighs

Big flavor: Lime, garlic, spices, and ají amarillo paste come together in one delicious marinade.
Easy preparation: Mix the marinade, season the chicken, and let the refrigerator do some of the work.
A family favorite: This recipe earned repeat requests in my house!
An incredible sauce: The creamy green sauce adds freshness, heat, and a touch of sweetness.
This chicken recipe is versatile, and you will have me to thank!
Another reason you will love this recipe is that it’s perfect for cooking anywhere: air fryer, oven, or smoker.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Thighs

A Quick Note: This recipe has quite a few ingredients, but don’t let that stop you! 😊 I encourage you to use as many as possible to enjoy the same wonderful flavors I achieved in my kitchen. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Chicken and marinade

4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
6 garlic cloves, minced, or 1 tablespoon garlic powder
¼ cup soy sauce
1 heaping tablespoon ají amarillo paste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1–2 teaspoons monk fruit sweetener or sugar
½ tablespoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Knorr chicken bouillon, plus 1 additional teaspoon for seasoning the chicken
½–1 teaspoon salt, to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1-2 fresh limes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Ingredients for Creamy aji verde Green Sauce:

1 bunch cilantro, washed and drained, with tough stems removed
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ají amarillo paste
Juice of 1 lime
2 jalapeños, stems removed and most seeds removed
3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener, optional
½–1 teaspoon salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper

What Is Aji Verde Sauce?

Aji verde is a vibrant, creamy Peruvian green sauce traditionally served with roasted or grilled chicken. Made with fresh herbs, peppers, lime juice, and creamy ingredients, this flavorful sauce adds a delicious kick to almost any dish! My homemade version features ají amarillo paste, jalapeños, and Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy sauce you’ll want to put on everything!

How to Make Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Thighs

Make juicy Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Thighs with a flavorful ají amarillo marinade and creamy aji verde sauce. An easy, delicious chicken dinner!

Make the marinade.
Combine the garlic, soy sauce, ají amarillo paste, red wine vinegar, sweetener, oregano, cumin, both paprikas, 1 teaspoon bouillon, salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil.
Whisk thoroughly, taste, and adjust flavors before adding to the chicken.
Prepare and season the chicken.
Clean/wash your chicken (if you do wash your chicken – I do wash mine). Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with the additional teaspoon of Knorr chicken bouillon and rub in.
Add approximately ½ cup of the prepared marinade, or enough to coat the chicken thoroughly. Wearing food-safe gloves if desired, massage it over the thighs and gently underneath the skin.
Refrigerate to marinate.
Cover and refrigerate. I marinated my chicken for approximately 2–3 hours, and the flavor was wonderful. You can also prepare it the night before and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Prepare the green sauce.
While the chicken marinates, add the sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust.
Air-fry the chicken thighs.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air-fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Smaller thighs may finish in 22–25 minutes; larger ones may need longer.

Kechi’s Tips for Flavorful Air fryer Peruvian Chicken Thighs

Listen, I could write an entire book about making these Peruvian chicken thighs! LOL! 😂 But don’t let the ingredients or instructions intimidate you, especially if you’re new to cooking. Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the process. These tips will help you get the best results!

Give the chicken room to cook. Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allowthe chicken to cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden exterior.
Season underneath the skin. Gently lift the chicken skin and rub some marinade underneath. This helps distribute those delicious flavors throughout the chicken.
Use ají amarillo paste for my version. This is one ingredient I highly recommend keeping! It’s essential to the flavor of this Peruvian-style chicken marinade and aji verde sauce.
Adjust the lime juice. If your lime is particularly juicy, one may be enough! Aim for approximately 1½–2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Use a second lime if needed.
Follow the written ingredient quantities. Some of my ingredient photos may look like I’m cooking for an entire village! 😂 That’s because I tripled the recipe when photographing it. The quantities listed in the recipe are intended for approximately 4–4½ pounds of chicken thighs.
Brush on more marinade when flipping. When you turn the chicken halfway through cooking, brush on some additional marinade for extra flavor. Set aside the marinade you’ll use for basting before it touches the raw chicken. If you want to save unused marinade for another meal, refrigerate it promptly and use it within a safe storage period. Discard marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless you boil it thoroughly before using it as a sauce.

Tips for the Aji Verde Green Sauce

Taste your aji verde sauce. This creamy green sauce is easy to customize! Taste as you prepare it and adjust the seasonings, lime juice, or other ingredients to suit your preference.
Make as much green sauce as you need. I’ve mentioned several times how much my family LOVES this sauce. We literally put it on everything! 😂 That’s why I make a generous batch. Feel free to scale down the ingredients if you need less. You can also reduce or omit the Greek yogurt. If you do, start with just 1 tablespoon of honey, taste, and decide whether any additional sweetener is necessary.
Adjust the heat to your preference. Jalapeños vary in spiciness, so make the sauce as mild or spicy as you like. I removed the seeds and membranes from mine, but you can leave some in if you prefer more heat.

What to Serve with This Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken

Wondering what to serve with Peruvian chicken? Oh, you’ve got plenty of options! These juicy, flavorful air fryer Peruvian chicken thighs pair beautifully with everything from rice and roasted potatoes to colorful salads and grilled vegetables.

And don’t forget the creamy aji verde sauce! It’s delicious drizzled over the chicken, but you can also enjoy it with many of these side dishes.

Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

Mediterranean Bulgur Salad: A colorful combination of red bulgur, fresh vegetables, apples, and a refreshing lemon-date syrup dressing. I’ve served this alongside my Peruvian chicken thighs, and the combination was fantastic!
Jamaican Rice and Peas: Coconut-infused rice and beans make a satisfying side dish for this chicken. We even spooned some aji verde over the rice, and it was SO good!
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden potatoes are always a winner with juicy chicken. Serve with a little aji verde for dipping!
Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice: Light, fragrant, and refreshing! The citrus and cilantro complement the chicken’s bold marinade beautifully. Perfect if you are looking for a low-carb.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the savory, tangy chicken.

Looking for an easy, colorful Mediterranean Bulgur Salad? This delicious bulgur wheat salad combines nutty red bulgur, crisp vegetables, sweet apples, fresh parsley, and a zesty lemon date dressing with a touch of date syrup. Naturally dairy-free and made without feta, it's perfect for healthy meal prep, weekday lunches, family dinners, or serving alongside chicken, salmon, or lamb. A fresh, nourishing Mediterranean grain salad that's easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. Save this recipe for later!

More Dishes to pair with Your Peruvian Chicken:

Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli for an easy, colorful side dish. Check out my mixed root vegetables!
Peruvian-Style Green Rice (Arroz Verde): This flavorful rice dish, typically prepared with cilantro and other herbs, is another delicious option.
Simple Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage salad with a light citrus dressing adds freshness and texture to your plate.
Quinoa Pilaf or Salad: A nourishing grain salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and lemon dressing makes a wonderful accompaniment.
Fried or Roasted Plantains: Sweet plantains add a delicious contrast to the savory chicken and spicy green sauce.

My serving suggestion: For a complete family dinner, pair these Peruvian chicken thighs with a grain or starchy side, plenty of colorful vegetables, and a generous spoonful of homemade aji verde sauce. Easy peasy!

Oven Roasted Mixed Root Vegetables is a Gluten-free and Colorful Side Dish that you and your family will love! This healthy, vibrant vegetable side dish is almost hands-free! Oven-roasted mixed root vegetables recipe comprises of beetroot, carrots, and parsnips. This combination is not only stunning, colorful, and tasty but also incredibly easy to make and healthy. I love making this for most dinners that I am hosting because it adds beautiful color to the dinner table, plus most of these root vegetables are available during the fall season, so this makes a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table.

Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the green sauce ahead?

Yes! I plan to make mine the night before Friendsgiving and keep it refrigerated until serving. The last green sauce I made stayed up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Do I have to use both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt?

No. You can use either as the base, but the flavor and texture will change a bit. The combination listed above is the version I tested and loved. But remember, make your food the way you enjoy it best!

Is this a traditional Peruvian chicken recipe?

This is my Peruvian-style adaptation, made in the air fryer with my preferred seasonings and a slightly sweetened green sauce. It reflects how I made and enjoyed it in my own kitchen.

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What Else Is on My 2026 Friendsgiving Menu?

Okay, for everyone following along with my Friendsgiving preparations, here’s a little peek at what else I’m making! 😂

As I mentioned earlier, these Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Thighs made the menu after my family gave them a BIG thumbs-up during our Sunday dinner taste test!

This year’s menu brings together some of my favorite flavors inspired by Mediterranean, Peruvian, Jamaican, and Nigerian cuisines. And yes, everything is coming together beautifully!

Here’s what I’m serving alongside these delicious chicken thighs:

Mediterranean Bulgur Wheat Salad – A colorful, refreshing grain salad with vegetables, apples, and a lemon-date syrup dressing. Such a delicious pairing with the chicken!
Aji Verde (Creamy Peruvian Green Sauce) – The creamy, flavorful green sauce that takes these chicken thighs to another level. We LOVE this sauce!
Jamaican Coconut Rice & Peas – A comforting, coconut-infused rice dish that pairs beautifully with the chicken and green sauce.
Individual Apple Pear Crisp with Golden Oat Crumble – A cozy fruit dessert baked in individual ramekins. Perfect for ending our Friendsgiving meal!
Hibiscus Cooler (Sorrel/Zobo) – A refreshing hibiscus drink inspired by the Nigerian zobo I grew up enjoying.

And, of course, these Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Thighs are the main attraction! 😂

I love bringing different cultures and flavors together at one table. Whether you’re planning Friendsgiving, hosting family, or looking for inspiration for your next gathering, I hope this menu gives you a few delicious ideas!

More Chicken Recipes to Try:

The most flavorful, lips-smacking jerk chicken drumsticks are marinated in jerk seasoning and cooked in the air fryer. They are crispy on the outside, moist, and tender on the inside. These air fryer jerk chicken legs are spicy (obviously, from the jerk marinade), tasty, easy to make, and great for meal prep. These keto air fried jerk chicken legs are hot, spicy, and flavorful! Easily make jerk chicken drumsticks in air fryer with jerk seasoning. #jerk #jerkchicken #Jerkchickendrumsticks #chickendrumsticks #Chickenrecipe

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