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Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

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  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 Minutes
  • Total Time: 33 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Easy chicken recipes

Description

How to make crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken with minimal oil that’s ready in under 30 minutes for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado or grapeseed oil)
  • Flavor & Aromatics:
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • Garnish & Finish:
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. In separate bowls, whisk egg, and combine flour, cornstarch, sea salt, black pepper, and white pepper. This prepares your dredging station for our Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
  2. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the whisked egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off excess flour for a crispy texture. Place coated chicken on a wire rack while you preheat.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the coated chicken pieces with oil, then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for optimal crispiness.
  4. Air Fry Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, then flip each piece. Continue to air fry for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This ensures perfectly crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: While chicken cooks, heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar; cook briefly until a glaze forms.
  6. Combine & Toss: Transfer the hot, crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken to the pan with the aromatic sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. This step infuses all the delicious flavors into the chicken.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the finished Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken immediately with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or your favorite side for a satisfying weeknight meal. Enjoy!

Notes

Never overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches for truly crispy chicken and even browning.

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat in the air fryer.

For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Serve this crispy chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light cucumber salad.

Toast whole peppercorns before grinding fresh to infuse a more complex, aromatic depth into your seasoning.

**Allergy Information:** Eggs, Gluten, Soy, Sesame

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Find it online: https://baketrove.com/crispy-air-fryer-salt-and-pepper-chicken-your-new-favorite-weeknight-meal/