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Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 79 reviews

A delicious and crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thigh fillets coated in a flavorful mix of cornflour, salt, black pepper, and Chinese five spice. The chicken is air fried to perfection and tossed with sautéed onions, garlic salt, and fresh chillies for a spicy, savory finish. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken Coating

  • 5 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp Chinese five spice
  • 500 g (1.1 lb) skinless chicken thigh fillets, quartered
  • Spray oil (about 20 squirts altogether)

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped into large chunks
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 red chilli pepper (serrano or fresno), finely diced
  • 1 green chilli pepper (serrano or fresno), finely diced
  • 3 spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, mix together cornflour, salt, black pepper, and Chinese five spice until well combined.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Add the quartered skinless chicken thigh fillets to the seasoning mix and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly in the mixture.
  3. Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in two batches. Spray the chicken with spray oil to help with crisping.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket twice during cooking for even crispiness. Once done, remove the chicken and place it in a bowl.
  5. Cook Onion and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, garlic salt, and black pepper to the empty air fryer basket, toss together to mix, then spray with spray oil. Air fry for 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F) to soften the onions and develop flavor.
  6. Add Chillies: Add the finely diced red and green chillies to the basket, toss together, and air fry for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  7. Combine and Finish: Add the chopped spring onions and the cooked chicken back into the air fryer basket. Toss everything together and air fry for another 1-2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.
  8. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken pieces are spaced apart in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Adjust the amount of chillies according to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Using skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/air-fryer-salt-and-pepper-chicken-recipe/