Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
Description
This recipe begins with marinating chicken pieces in a blend of vegetable oil, finely grated garlic and ginger, brown sugar, and salt, infusing the meat with aromatic and mildly sweet flavors. After marinating, the chicken is thoroughly coated in cornstarch to develop a crisp crust during air frying.
Cooking involves two stages in the air fryer: a 10-minute session at 350°F followed by flipping and spraying oil again, then finishing at 400°F until golden brown. The spice mix, combining white pepper and five-spice powder among other ingredients, is sprinkled over the chicken after cooking to impart the signature salt and pepper flavor profile.
The finished chicken pieces have a crunchy exterior contrasting with a tender, juicy interior. Garnishing with fresh basil or nori sheets offers herbal or umami notes, while lemon wedges and hot peppers provide bright acidity and heat that can be added to taste. This dish offers a less oily alternative to traditional deep-fried salt and pepper chicken.
Notes highlight that crispy fried basil leaves are traditional but require separate frying, with nori sheets serving as an alternative. Fresh basil serves as a simple garnish that also complements the dish well.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thigh cut to 1-inch (2-cm) pieces (or breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- cooking spray
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic , finely grated
- 1 tablespoon ginger finely grated
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons white pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1/8 teaspoon five-spice powder
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 basil sliced (or nori sheets) (*Footnote 1, small batch
- lemon wedges
- hot peppers jalapeno, Asian red long pepper, Bird eye chile etc, sliced, of your choice
Instructions
- Combine the chicken and the marinade ingredients in a big bowl. Mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Combine the ingredients for the spice mix in a small bowl and stir to mix well. Note, this recipe prepares more spice mix than you might end up using, so you can adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- When you’re ready to cook, add the cornstarch to the chicken, a few tablespoons at a time. Stir to coat the chicken, until all the pieces are covered with cornstarch.
- Place the chicken pieces into your air fryer basket (or tray), without overlapping. Cook in batches if needed. Spray oil onto the chicken until there’s no dry cornstarch on the surface.
- Cook in the air fryer at 350°F (176°C) for 10 minutes. Take out the chicken, flip and spray oil again. Raise the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook until the chicken turns golden brown, 5 minutes or so. Transfer all the chicken pieces to a big bowl. Sprinkle about half of the spice mix over the chicken and gently toss it with a pair of tongs. Taste the chicken. Add more spice mix if needed.
- Add the sliced basil to the chicken, garnish with chili pepper, and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if using. Serve hot as an appetizer.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Coat chicken in cornstarch thoroughly to achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer.
- Cook in two stages: first at 350°F and then at 400°F, flipping and spraying oil to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Traditional crispy fried basil leaves add extra flavor but require frying; dried nori sheets or fresh basil are good alternatives for garnishing.
- Serve with lemon wedges and sliced hot peppers to customize the dish’s acidity and heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 318kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 17.4g | 6% |
| Protein | 33.2g | 66% |
| Fat | 11.9g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 101mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 682mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 311mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.8g | 2% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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