Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken made with bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs or breast, seasoned with soy sauce and a crunchy coating of cornstarch and flour, then tossed with aromatic garlic, chilies, and green onions. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors with a satisfying crispy texture, ideal for a delicious weeknight meal or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Coating Mix
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for coating chicken)
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red chilies, finely sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped (divided)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce to infuse flavor. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in this dry mix until evenly coated, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss again to help achieve a crispy texture during cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Air fry the chicken for 16 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The chicken should come out golden brown and crispy.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the chicken cooks, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced red chilies, and half of the chopped green onions. Sauté these aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant, releasing their flavors into the oil.
- Combine and Serve: Once the chicken is crispy, transfer it to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated with the garlic, chili, and green onion mixture. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breasts can be substituted for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, increase the quantity of red chilies or add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness; cook in batches if necessary.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to retain their crisp texture.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with other neutral oils like canola or peanut oil.