Craving that takeaway taste without the fuss? This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor and irresistible crispiness right in your own kitchen. Forget deep-frying; your air fryer transforms simple chicken into a healthier “fakeaway” favorite with ease. Infused with aromatic Chinese five-spice and vibrant chilies, this dish is quick, simple, and perfect for any night.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
You are going to love making this delicious dish at home! It brings all the authentic flavors and textures you crave.
- Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The air fryer creates an amazing crunchy coating without excessive oil.
- Juicy, Tender Bites: Every piece of chicken remains incredibly moist inside, a perfect contrast to the crisp exterior.
- Authentic Chinese Flavors: A blend of Chinese five-spice, garlic, and fresh chilies gives it that classic takeaway taste.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: From prep to plate, this recipe is incredibly fast, ideal for busy evenings.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy your favorite Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken without the guilt of deep-frying.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable chicken thighs makes this a smart choice for families.
- Adjustable Spice Level: Easily control the heat by customizing the amount of fresh chilies you add.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken fakeaway. The measurements listed below will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 5 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Chinese five spice
- 500 g (1.1lb) skinless chicken thigh fillets, quartered
- Spray oil (about 20 squirts altogether)
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped into large chunks
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp black pepper (for onions)
- 1 red chilli pepper (I use serrano or fresno) finely diced
- 1 green chilli pepper (I use serrano or fresno) finely diced
- 3 spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs are ideal for this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken because they stay wonderfully juicy, even with high heat cooking. You can use chicken breast, but watch the cooking time closely to prevent it from drying out.
- Cornflour is absolutely crucial for achieving that signature crispy coating; it creates a light, dry crust. If you don’t have cornflour, potato starch is a good alternative, though the texture might vary slightly.
- Chinese five spice brings a warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor profile that includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
- To learn more about this versatile blend, explore the origins and traditional uses of Chinese five spice.
- For the chilies, I recommend serrano or fresno for a medium heat, but feel free to use milder bell peppers or hotter bird’s eye chilies to suit your preference. A neutral spray oil like avocado or canola oil works best for even coating and crisping.
- Using garlic salt simplifies things, but you can use 1 clove of minced fresh garlic along with a pinch of regular salt if you prefer.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
- Air fryer: A single or double basket model works perfectly.
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for coating the chicken evenly.
- Spray oil bottle: Ensures a light and even application of oil.
- Tongs: Handy for tossing ingredients in the air fryer basket.
Instructions For Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
Creating this delicious Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. You will love how simple it is to get perfectly crispy results.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Chinese five spice. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the quartered chicken thigh fillets to the bowl with the spice mixture. Toss the chicken pieces carefully until each one is completely and evenly coated in the seasoning. This coating is key for crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; you might need to cook the chicken in two separate batches, depending on your air fryer size. Overcrowding prevents proper crisping.
- First Fry: Generously squirt the chicken with spray oil. Air fry the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes. Shake the basket twice during cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Remove Chicken: Once cooked, remove the crispy chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a separate bowl. Set it aside for a moment.
- Cook Onions: Add the chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the now empty air fryer basket. Toss them together, then spray the onions with a little more oil. Air fry the onions for 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
- Add Chilies: After 5 minutes, add both the finely diced red and green chilli peppers to the air fryer basket with the onions. Toss everything together well. Continue to air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine & Final Fry: Return the cooked chicken to the air fryer basket with the onions and chilies. Add the roughly chopped spring onions. Toss all the ingredients gently to combine them thoroughly.
- Serve: Air fry for a final 1-2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and the flavors have mingled. Serve your homemade Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- For the crispiest Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken, ensure you do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to crisp up.
- Cooking for a few extra minutes can result in a deeper golden-brown color and a crunchier coating.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
- The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for safely cooking chicken to prevent foodborne illness. For an extra crispy coating, you can lightly mist the chicken with oil again halfway through cooking.
- If your chicken seems dry, you might be overcooking it; adjust the time for future batches. To address uneven cooking, remember to shake the air fryer basket at least twice, or even flip individual pieces.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is perfect for any occasion, from a quick meal to a full spread.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delicious chicken with a generous portion of classic egg fried rice for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a side of chips (fries) for a popular “chip shop” style fakeaway.
- Dip your crispy chicken pieces in sweet chili sauce or sweet and sour sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Consider a creamy, nutty Bang Bang sauce for a unique twist.
- Include your Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken as part of a larger Chinese fakeaway banquet with other favorites.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best results, reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore its crispiness and keeps it from getting soggy.
Variations
- Other Proteins: You can easily swap chicken for other proteins like prawns, firm tofu, or even pork strips. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to toss in extra chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms during the onion cooking stage for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Spices: Experiment with different spice blends. Try a touch of ginger powder, white pepper, or a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns for more numbing heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornflour brand and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving for your Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 249 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.02 g |
| Cholesterol | 119 mg |
| Sodium | 1282 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Please note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plain flour instead of cornflour?
While you can, plain flour will not give you the same crispiness. Cornflour creates a much lighter and crunchier coating for this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
What temperature should the chicken reach?
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use different chicken cuts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breast works too! Just cube it and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe truly brings the takeaway experience home, offering an incredibly simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a beloved dish. You’ll love the perfectly crispy chicken and vibrant flavors that come together in minutes.
Give this beginner-friendly recipe a try for your next weeknight meal or fakeaway feast. Don’t forget to come back and let us know what you think by leaving a rating or comment below!
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix cornflour, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp black pepper, and Chinese five spice.
- Add quartered chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Spray with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, shaking basket twice.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Add onion, garlic salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to basket. Spray with oil and air fry 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
- Add red and green chilies, toss, and air fry 2 more minutes.
- Return chicken to basket with onions and chilies. Add spring onions and toss.
- Air fry 1–2 more minutes until heated through. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cornflour is key for crispiness; potato starch can substitute.
- Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts can be used with reduced cook time.
- For milder flavor, use bell peppers instead of chili.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free cornflour.
