Description
Air Fryer Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls combine juicy jerk-seasoned chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, fresh pineapple salsa, avocado, and colorful vegetables for an easy tropical-inspired dinner that’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
1½ cups diced fresh pineapple
½ diced red bell pepper
¼ cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 sliced avocado
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup cooked black beans
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry, then combine it with the olive oil, jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice until every piece is evenly coated. For deeper flavor, let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between the pieces for proper air circulation. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. While the chicken cooks, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing the pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Warm the cooked jasmine rice and prepare the avocado, cabbage, and black beans.
4. Divide the warm rice among serving bowls, then top with the cooked jerk chicken, pineapple salsa, cabbage, avocado, and black beans. Finish each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
5. Allow the chicken to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before assembling the bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts and stay especially juicy in the air fryer.
Store the chicken, rice, and toppings separately for the freshest meal prep. The cooked chicken and rice keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze only the cooked chicken and rice for up to 3 months. Prepare fresh pineapple salsa and avocado after reheating.
If your jerk seasoning is particularly spicy, reduce the amount slightly and serve with avocado or a lime yogurt sauce to balance the heat.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve caramelized edges instead of steamed chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 128 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls, jerk chicken bowls, Caribbean chicken rice bowls, air fryer jerk chicken