The Ultimate Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken for Busy Nights (Print Version)
How to make incredibly crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken with juicy bites and simple seasoning that your family will adore for quick weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Dietary: Poultry
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Coating Foundation
01 -
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1/2 cup cornstarch
03 -
1 large egg, beaten
04 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
05 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
→ Aromatics & Flavor Builders
06 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
07 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 -
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
09 -
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
10 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
→ Signature Seasonings
11 -
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more for seasoning)
12 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning)
13 -
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
→ Finishing Touches & Garnish
14 -
3 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
15 -
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
16 -
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper. Next, coat each piece lightly in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, then dip in 1 large beaten egg.
02 -
After the egg wash, dredge chicken pieces in 1/2 cup cornstarch until fully coated. This dual coating is key for that ultimate crispiness. Ensure all pieces are evenly covered for the best Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken results.
03 -
Lightly spray the coated chicken with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the chicken in batches for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
04 -
While chicken air-fries, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced), and 1/2 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced) until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
05 -
Add 2 tablespoons light soy sauce to the sautéed vegetables, stirring well. Season with a pinch more salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized, building depth for your Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
06 -
Add the crispy air-fried chicken to the pan with the seasoned vegetables. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the flavorful aromatics. This completes the main preparation of your delicious Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
07 -
Drizzle with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and sprinkle with 3 thinly sliced green onions and 1/2 teaspoon optional red chili flakes. Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a delightful, quick weeknight meal. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip the dual coating (flour, egg, then cornstarch); it's essential for ultimate crispiness.
02 -
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a GF blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
04 -
Serve immediately over jasmine rice or lo mein noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
05 -
For next-level crispness, double air-fry chicken: 10 mins at 375°F, rest, then 5-8 mins at 400°F.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large pan or wok
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
grater
06 -
large bowls
07 -
measuring cups
08 -
measuring spoons
09 -
spatula or tongs
10 -
cooking spray
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 490
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 23g
Protein: 44g