Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Chicken In A Bag

When you want a light, fragrant, and flavor-packed dinner for one, Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Chicken In A Bag is a brilliant go-to. It’s got everything: juicy chicken, zingy herbs, crunchy peanuts, and tender noodles—all steamed inside a foil parcel for max flavor and minimal fuss. I tried it for a solo midweek dinner and it honestly felt like a spa day in a meal. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 nest vermicelli rice noodles
• 6 lime leaves
• 4cm piece of ginger, peeled
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ stick lemongrass
• 1 red chili
• 15g (½ bunch) fresh coriander
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 x 150g chicken breast (skinless, free-range)
• 1 pak choi
• 50g sugar snap peas
• 2 spring onions
• 75g baby sweetcorn
• 1 beaten egg
• 30g unsalted peanuts
• 1 lime

How To Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Chicken In A Bag

1. Soften the Noodles:
   Place the vermicelli rice noodles in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak until soft, then drain and set aside. If prepping ahead, rinse with cold water to stop them sticking.
2. Make the Fragrant Paste:
   In a pestle and mortar, tear the lime leaves and mash with sea salt. Add in the ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and half the chili. Bash everything into a rough paste. Add finely chopped coriander stalks, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
   Slice into the thickest part of the chicken breast to create deep cuts. Rub half the paste into the chicken, really working it into the grooves. Let it sit if you’ve got time for more flavor.
4. Prep the Veggies:
   Halve the pak choi, slice the sugar snap peas lengthways, finely slice the spring onions, and trim the baby sweetcorn. Have all your fresh bits ready to go.
5. Build the Foil Parcel:
   Take a 1-meter sheet of foil, fold it in half for thickness, then fold again to make a book. Open it up and rub one side with sesame oil. Place the noodles down first, then layer in the veg and scatter most of the remaining chili. Top with the chicken breast.
6. Seal the Steam Bag:
   Brush the edges of the foil with beaten egg and fold to seal tightly, trapping all the steam and flavors. Before you finish sealing, add a splash of water to help the steam build inside the parcel.
7. Air Fry the Meal:
   Place the foil parcel into the larger drawer of your air fryer. In the smaller drawer, add the peanuts and cook them separately. Use the sync function: cook the parcel for 20 minutes at 200°C and roast the peanuts for 5 minutes at the same temp.
8. Serve It Up:
   Carefully open the parcel (watch for steam!), scatter with the rest of the chili and coriander leaves. Squeeze over fresh lime juice and sprinkle over the crushed peanuts. Serve straight from the foil or slide onto a bowl or plate.

Why I Love This Recipe

This dish packs a punch of flavor with minimal mess and zero pots to scrub. It’s light but satisfying, and the foil cooking keeps everything juicy and tender. Plus, it’s a one-person recipe that doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like a treat.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh herbs and aromatics for the best punch of flavor.
• Seal the foil bag tight so the steam stays trapped.
• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer—air needs space to circulate.
• Roast the peanuts separately for maximum crunch.
• Finish with lime juice to brighten up every bite.

How To Store Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Chicken In A Bag

• In the Fridge: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for about 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if it’s looking a little dry.
• Freezing: Not ideal, due to the noodles and fresh veg texture—best made fresh!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I double this recipe?
  Yes! Just make two foil parcels and cook them side by side if your air fryer has room.
• Can I use different vegetables?
  Totally—try tenderstem broccoli, mangetout, or thin-sliced bell peppers.
• What if I don’t have lemongrass?
  Use extra lime zest or a dash of lemongrass paste if you have it.
• Is this spicy?
  Just mildly so! You can skip or reduce the chili if you prefer it milder.
• Can I use another protein?
  Yes—thin pork chops, tofu, or prawns would all be delicious here.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 668
• Fat: 20.9g
• Saturated Fat: 3.8g
• Sugars: 8.8g
• Salt: 1.8g
• Protein: 53.5g
• Carbohydrates: 66.1g
• Fiber: 3.4g

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Recipes:

• Air fryer Chicken & Mushroom Pastry Parcels
• Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones
• Air Fryer Salmon With Crispy Potatoes