Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

image of Chicken thighs cornstarch salt black pepper white pepper Chinese five spice garlic ginger onion chilies spring onions brown sugar soy sauce basil nori bell peppers potato starch realistic top down mise en place shot fresh ingredients white marble kitchen counter clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets soft diffuse daylight

katya bou

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

This beautifully straightforward, deeply aromatic Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken transforms simple pantry staples into perfectly crispy, deeply flavored nuggets of joy in under 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you need restaurant-quality crunch without the mess of deep-frying.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Marinade

For the Coating

For the Spice Mix

For the Aromatics and Heat

For Cooking

For Garnish

Equipment

Air Fryer,
Medium bowl
Shallow Dish
Small skillet
Spray Bottle (for oil)

Method

Prep and Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken thighs with egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes while you preheat your air fryer.

Coat the Chicken

In a separate shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and Chinese five spice powder.
Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the coating mixture, shaking off any excess. You want a light, even layer.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the coated chicken in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, not crowding the basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need 2 to 3 batches. Lightly spray the chicken with high-heat oil.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again lightly with oil. Cook until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

While the last batch is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced chilies. Sauté for about 2 minutes until aromatic and onions soften.

Combine and Serve

In a large bowl, combine the air-fried chicken with the sautéed aromatics.
Toss with remaining spice mix for extra flavor. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 20g

Notes

For maximum crispiness, ensure the air fryer is fully preheated and do not overcrowd the basket. Adjust chilies to your heat preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Variations: Use chicken breast or tofu for a different texture; add Szechuan peppercorns for more complexity.

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