Name: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch (2 cm) pieces (or breasts); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, finely grated; 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger; 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cornstarch; Oil spray; 2 teaspoons white pepper powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar); 1/8 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1 small batch basil, sliced (or nori sheets); Lemon wedges; Sliced hot peppers of your choice (jalapeno, Asian red long pepper, Bird eye chile, etc.)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

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If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful chicken dish without the fuss of deep-frying, this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to! It effortlessly delivers tender, juicy chicken bites wrapped in a golden, crackling crust, all kissed by a perfectly balanced salt and pepper seasoning. The magic lies in its simple yet thoughtful combination of garlic, ginger, and a modest spice mix that elevates each bite to something irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an appetizer, this recipe makes the whole process a breeze, with no mess and maximum taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with pieces of raw chicken covered in a thick white powder, which looks like flour or starch. The chicken pieces are pale pink and unevenly coated with the powder, creating a rough and dusty texture. A pair of light wooden chopsticks are placed inside the bowl, stirring the mixture. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with subtle gray veins. The overall scene gives a sense of preparing food with simple ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe so satisfying? It’s all about the straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic—each one playing a key role to build layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust you want.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs: The tender chicken is juicy and forgiving, perfect for air frying into crispy bites.
1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates the light, crunchy coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Oil spray: Adds that essential touch of crispness without deep-frying.
Marinade ingredients (vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, salt): These infuse the chicken with savory, aromatic flavor that shines through every bite.
Spice mix (white pepper, salt, brown sugar, five-spice powder): A flavorful punch that finishes the dish with the signature salt and pepper taste.
Optional garnishes (basil, lemon wedges, sliced hot peppers): These brighten and freshen the dish, adding color and a hint of heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken pieces with the marinade ingredients—a blend of garlic, ginger, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat every piece evenly, then let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This step is crucial because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with layers of flavor that will make the final result anything but ordinary.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix

While the chicken marinates, mix together the spice blend of white pepper, salt, brown sugar, and five-spice powder. This seasoning will bring that classic “salt and pepper” flavor punch. Keep in mind, the recipe makes slightly more spice mix than you’ll need, which is perfect for adjusting to your taste or saving for next time!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Cornstarch

Once marinated, gradually add the cornstarch to the chicken, tossing it gently to make sure each piece is completely coated. This is what will give your chicken that irresistible crispy crust after air frying. Make sure you don’t skip this step—it’s what sets this recipe apart from a typical salt and pepper chicken dish.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place your coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket without crowding them to ensure they crisp evenly. Spray with oil to help them brown nicely and cook at 350°F (176°C) for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken, spray again, crank up the heat to 400°F (200°C), and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. This two-temperature method locks in moisture and ensures maximum crunch.

Step 5: Toss in Spice Mix and Garnish

Once cooked, transfer the chicken out and sprinkle half of your prepared spice mix over it. Toss gently with tongs to coat every bite without breaking that crisp coating. Taste and adjust with more spice if you want. Add fresh basil, sliced chili peppers, and lemon wedges to brighten the dish and serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

The image shows a black plate filled with golden brown fried pieces that look crispy and crunchy, scattered evenly across the plate. Thin slices of bright green herbs are sprinkled over the top, and small red chili pieces add vibrant spots of color. On one side of the plate, two lemon wedges rest together, bright yellow and fresh-looking. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a pair of wooden chopsticks placed diagonally to the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe from tasty to unforgettable. Torn basil leaves add a sweet herbal note with vibrant color, while sliced hot peppers give some invited heat and crunch. A wedge of lemon on the side gives you the option to add a lively citrus burst, balancing the salty, peppery flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides to complement its savory intensity. Think steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad to bring a cooling contrast. If you want to keep the vibe casual and snack-worthy, serve it alongside crunchy carrot sticks or fresh snap peas to keep things bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve your chicken bites skewered on bamboo sticks as fun finger food at your next party. Or pile them high in a soft bao bun, topped with quick-pickled veggies and an extra squeeze of chili sauce for a gourmet twist. This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with plating and accompaniments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before sealing it, so it doesn’t become soggy. The cornstarch crust may soften a bit, but the seasoning will remain flavorful and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent clumping, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken stays good for about one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the air fryer to bring back some of that original crispiness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe is in the air fryer itself. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C), then cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in the air fryer. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch instead of flour for the coating. Just double-check your spice powders and condiments to be sure.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Add extra white pepper or include hotter chilies in the garnish to amp up the heat. You can also mix some chili flakes into the spice mix for an extra kick.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating the air fryer isn’t mandatory, but it helps the chicken crisp up right away and cook evenly. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but expect slightly longer cooking times.

How do I keep the coating crunchy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and spray with oil before cooking. Toss the chicken gently with the spice mix after air frying to keep the crust intact. Reheating in the air fryer also refreshes the crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple for good reason. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy mouthwatering, crispy chicken packed with simple, bold flavors right from your kitchen without frying in oil. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want a snack or meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. So go ahead and give it a whirl—you’re going to love it!

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