Homemade Nando’s Seasoning (Easy Peri-Peri Spice Mix)

If you love that smoky, garlicky heat from Nando’s, this Nando’s seasoning recipe is going to become your go-to spice blend. It’s got the classic peri-peri flavour without any weird additives or those overly fussy ingredient lists you see online. I keep a jar by the stove and reach for it constantly, especially when I’m making Tender Cast Iron Chicken Breast.

Why you’ll love this recipe

There are so many reasons to love my Nando’s seasoning recipe:

• Packed with flavour: You’ve got smoky paprika, garlic, cumin, and a nice kick of cayenne. It tastes like Nando’s but you know exactly what’s in it. I use a similar flavour balance to this peri peri seasoning recipe in my Easy Devilled Sausages.
• Takes minutes: Seriously, just mix your pantry spices together and you’ve got seasoning that lasts for months. Make the Nando’s seasoning once and sprinkle it on Crispy Garlic Fries all week.
• Works on anything: Chicken, potatoes, roasted veg, air fryer dishes, you name it! Just tweak the heat level of your Nando’s rub recipe to suit what you’re cooking.

For more fakeaway recipes, try Tender Pepper Steak Recipe, Gyoza Dipping Sauce, Nando’s Mac and Cheese, or even Nando’s Fino Pitta.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this peri peri spice mix taste so much like Nando’s:

• Paprika: This gives you that signature warmth and the red peri-peri colour. If you want it smokier, swap in smoked paprika – I also use that in my Quick & Easy Boom Boom Shrimp – delishhh!
• Cayenne pepper: Cayenne brings heat to the recipe, without any bitterness. You can dial it back or leave it out completely if you want something milder. If you’ve got extra, you could use it in this Low Sugar BBQ Sauce Recipe.
• Garlic granules: These add depth to the Nando’s seasoning and distribute really evenly through the mix, so it works brilliantly as a dry rub or finishing sprinkle.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Here are some easy ways to switch up your Nando’s peri recipe:

• Smoky: You can use smoked paprika instead of regular. It’s got a proper barbecue vibe and works really well on grilled chicken or in my Delicious Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
• Sweeter peri-peri: Add an extra ½ to 1 tsp brown sugar to the Nando’s seasoning for a sticky, caramelised finish. I love this with roasted veg!
• Mild family blend: Skip the usual cayenne in Nando’s spice mix and add an extra ½ tsp paprika. It’s perfect if you’re feeding kids!

This is brilliant on chicken, so try it with The BEST Crispy Bone-in Chicken Thighs, Healthy Crispy Chicken Wrap, and of course Peri Peri Chicken.

What makes this Nando’s seasoning different?

Most peri-peri seasoning recipes are either too sweet, too smoky, or overloaded with unnecessary ingredients. This version is intentionally simple, balanced, and very similar to classic Nando’s flavour using only everyday pantry spices.

Best ways to use Nando’s Peri Peri seasoning

After you’ve learnt how to make peri peri seasoning, here are some ways to use it: 

• As a dry rub for air fryer chicken thighs or breasts
• Sprinkled over air fryer chicken
• Mixed with oil over your ninja air fryer roasted potatoes
• Shaken over Mediterranean roasted vegetables
• Nando’s seasoning for fries or wedges
• Stirred into yogurt as a quick peri-peri marinade

Serving Suggestions

This Nando’s seasoning works as a rub or a finishing sprinkle, so you can use it however you like.

Try it with:

• Nando’s Spicy Rice
• Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Rainbow Grain Bowl (Nando’s inspired)
• Mexican Street Corn Off the Cob
• Easy Skillet Roasted Corn
• The Crispiest Halloumi Fries

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Nando’s seasoning is a dry spice mix, so storing it is easy.

Refrigerator: You don’t need to refrigerate it. Just keep your Nando’s peri peri seasoning in a sealed jar at room temperature.

Freezer: Don’t freeze it or moisture will ruin the blend.

Reheat: Not needed, of course. Just sprinkle the peri peri seasoning on your food before cooking or serving.

Recipe FAQs

If you like bold seasonings, you’ll also love The Best Collard Greens Seasoning, The Ultimate Pork Chop Seasoning and these 12 Best Substitutes for Saffron.