Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, aromatic Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken with a delightful crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness inside. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish brings the beloved Chinese takeout classic right to your kitchen, with significantly less oil and mess. The beauty of Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken lies in its perfect balance of bold flavors and light, crispy texture that’s achieved without deep frying. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality dish at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights and weekend cravings alike. The air fryer creates that coveted crispy exterior while maintaining succulent, tender meat inside—a texture contrast that’s truly irresistible. Unlike traditional deep-fried versions, this recipe uses a fraction of the oil while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

The simplicity of the seasonings—salt, pepper, and a few Asian-inspired aromatics—allows the natural flavor of the chicken to shine through. Yet the result is anything but basic, offering complex layers of flavor that dance on your palate.

Perhaps the biggest selling point is how quickly it comes together. From prep to plate in about 20 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into hectic schedules without sacrificing quality or taste. The minimal cleanup is another bonus that makes this dish a regular in many home cooks’ rotations.

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons (10g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1½ teaspoons (9g) kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons (4g) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2g) white pepper
• Cooking spray for the air fryer

For the aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped into ½-inch pieces
• ½ red bell pepper, diced (optional for color and sweetness)

The cornstarch is crucial for developing that characteristic crispy exterior, while the baking soda helps tenderize the chicken. Fresh-ground black pepper provides much better flavor than pre-ground, making a noticeable difference in this pepper-forward dish.

Pro Tips

Properly Prep Your Chicken: For the crispiest Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken, pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels before marinating. Any excess moisture will create steam in the air fryer, resulting in less crispiness. Cutting the chicken into uniform-sized pieces ensures even cooking—aim for 1-inch cubes that will cook quickly and evenly.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Working in batches might take more time, but it’s essential for achieving that perfect crunch. When chicken pieces are too close together, they steam rather than crisp. Arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each piece, and you’ll be rewarded with restaurant-quality results. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking also promotes even browning.

Balance Your Seasonings: While it’s called “salt and pepper chicken,” the key is finding the right balance. The combination of black and white pepper creates complexity—black pepper provides the heat and aroma, while white pepper adds a distinct earthy quality that’s characteristic of authentic Chinese cuisine. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving, as air fryers can sometimes intensify the saltiness of dishes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, tossing to coat evenly. Let this sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. After marinating, add the cornstarch and baking soda, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated with no visible white powder. Drizzle with the vegetable oil and mix again to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and white pepper over the chicken pieces, tossing thoroughly to ensure each piece is well seasoned. The combination of both black and white pepper is what gives Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken its distinctive flavor profile, so don’t skimp on either one.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. While it’s heating, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook in 2-3 batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Prepare the Aromatics

While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced jalapeños, and diced bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the green onions and cook for another 15-20 seconds. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

When the chicken is done, transfer it directly to the skillet with the aromatic mixture and toss everything together while still hot. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the freshly cooked aromatics. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve your Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken immediately while hot and crispy, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.

Variations

Spicy Salt and Pepper Chicken: For heat lovers, increase the spice level by adding 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the salt and pepper mix, or include 1-2 additional jalapeños in the aromatics. You can also introduce a teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns (crushed) for an authentic numbing heat that pairs beautifully with the black and white pepper.

Gluten-Free Version: This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken can easily be made gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free adaptation without compromising on flavor or texture.

Vegetable-Loaded Option: Transform this dish into a more complete meal by adding vegetables directly to the air fryer during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli florets work particularly well. Alternatively, you can stir-fry more vegetables with the aromatics, such as snap peas, carrots, and water chestnuts, creating a colorful, nutritious one-pan meal.

Storage and Serving

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave which will make it soggy. Instead, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

For serving, this versatile dish works beautifully as both a main course or appetizer. Serve it over steamed white rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal. For a lower-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad.

Create a complete Chinese takeout experience by serving Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken alongside vegetable spring rolls, hot and sour soup, or steamed dumplings. For a colorful plate, add a side of stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to balance the richness of the chicken with fresh greens.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs in this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe. Just be aware that breast meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily, so you may want to reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and check for doneness early.

Why is my chicken not getting crispy in the air fryer?
The most common reason is overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches with space between each piece. Also, ensure you’ve patted the chicken completely dry before marinating and that you’ve used the cornstarch, which is essential for crispiness.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or traditionally deep-fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Is it necessary to use both black and white pepper?
For authentic Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken, both peppers are recommended. White pepper provides a different flavor profile than black pepper, offering a more earthy, complex taste that’s characteristic of Chinese cuisine. However, if you only have black pepper, you can still make a delicious dish.

What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is the closest substitute, but you can also use mirin (reduce the added salt slightly), sake, or even a dry white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth with a touch of rice vinegar.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is comfort food at its finest — crispy, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying without the guilt or mess of deep frying. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into special occasions and satisfies those takeout cravings without leaving home. The beautiful balance of salt, pepper, and aromatic ingredients creates layers of flavor that make this simple dish extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it as a quick family dinner or as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking repertoire.

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