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Imagine transforming your Friday nights into a feast without stepping foot in a restaurant or waiting endlessly for delivery. With the rise of air fryer cooking, you can now recreate your favorite Homemade Nando’s chicken and halloumi burger at home. Not only does this recipe save you time and money, but it also brings all the flavor and excitement of dining out straight to your kitchen.
If you’re ready to ditch the queues and enjoy a healthier, faster, and more satisfying meal, this guide will walk you through every step of creating a Nando’s-inspired fakeaway that’s bound to impress.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Friday nights often call for something indulgent—something that feels like a reward for a long week. But dining out or ordering in can come with frustrations:
- Long Wait Times: Nando’s chicken restaurants are often packed, and delivery apps can mean waiting over an hour for your meal.
- High Costs: Eating out or ordering delivery adds up quickly. Why spend extra when you can recreate the same dish at home for a fraction of the price?
- Health Concerns: Restaurant meals can be loaded with hidden calories and unnecessary oils.
This air fryer Nando’s fakeaway solves all those problems. You’ll enjoy the bold flavors you crave, prepared in just 20 minutes, with fewer calories and more control over the ingredients.
Meet Nate Anthony, The Recipe Creator
Known as “Bored of Lunch” on TikTok, Nate Anthony is a food creator and author who specializes in turning beloved dishes into easy homemade recipes. His focus on simplicity and creativity has earned him millions of fans, with his “fakeaway” creations becoming particularly popular.
This air fryer Nando’s chicken and halloumi roll recipe is one of his viral hits, boasting over 1.1 million views. It’s proof that you don’t need professional chef skills to create something extraordinary.
What You’ll Need: The Simple Ingredient List
One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward it is. You only need five core ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flattened Chicken Breasts | 2 pieces |
| Nando’s Sauce | 4 tablespoons |
| Halloumi Slices | 4-5 slices |
| Garlic Butter | As needed |
| Ciabatta Rolls | 2 rolls |
Optional Additions:
- Lettuce leaves for a fresh crunch.
- Sweet mayo for added creaminess.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Fakeaway
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Flavor
Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prepare your ingredients:
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the flattened chicken breasts with 3 tablespoons of Nando’s sauce. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
- Prep the Halloumi: Lightly coat your halloumi slices with the remaining tablespoon of Nando’s sauce.
- Butter the Rolls: Generously spread garlic butter on the ciabatta rolls to enhance their flavor during toasting.
Air Fryer Instructions: Fast and Foolproof Cooking
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts in the basket.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Adding the Halloumi
- After 10 minutes, carefully add the halloumi slices to the air fryer.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes. The halloumi will turn golden and slightly crispy.
Toasting the Rolls
- Once the chicken and halloumi are cooked, place the ciabatta rolls in the air fryer for 2 minutes. This step warms the bread and enhances the garlic butter’s aroma.
Assembling the Perfect Homemade Nando’s-Inspired Roll
With all components ready, it’s time to build your masterpiece:
- Base Layer: Start with the bottom half of the ciabatta roll. Add a layer of lettuce and a dollop of sweet mayo for freshness.
- Add the Protein: Place the cooked chicken breast on top.
- Top It Off: Layer the halloumi slices over the chicken, then finish with the top half of the roll.
Serve immediately and savor every bite of your homemade Nando’s-inspired creation.
Nutritional Benefits: Healthier Than Takeout
This fakeaway doesn’t just save you time and money—it’s also a lighter alternative to dining out. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown:
| Nutritional Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 578 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
By using an air fryer, you cut down on unnecessary oils while retaining the dish’s signature flavors.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Q1. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a regular oven. Preheat it to 200°C, and adjust the cooking times slightly to ensure the chicken and halloumi are cooked through.
Q2. What’s the best Homemade Nando’s sauce flavor for this recipe?
The classic Peri-Peri Medium is a crowd-pleaser, but feel free to experiment with Lemon & Herb or Extra Hot, depending on your spice tolerance.
Q3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the ciabatta rolls for a gluten-free bread option.
Q4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Cook the chicken and halloumi in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This air fryer Homemade Nando’s chicken and halloumi roll fakeaway is more than just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating yourself, or looking for a healthier alternative to takeout, this dish ticks all the boxes.
- Convenience: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Cost-Effective: A fraction of the price of eating out.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add toppings, or make it gluten-free to suit your preferences.
Call-to-Action: Try It Tonight!
Your next Friday night deserves an upgrade. Gather the ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and experience the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tag Nate Anthony and join the community of food lovers reinventing fakeaways.