The Crispiest Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe Ever

Crispy, golden air fryer salt and pepper chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Tender pieces of chicken come alive with a simple yet robust seasoning blend.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor in this quick and foolproof dish.

Salt and pepper work their magic, creating a perfectly seasoned exterior that crackles with each bite.

Cooking becomes effortless when you harness the power of your trusty air fryer.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this straightforward recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing method for the most irresistible chicken ever.

Why Salt and Pepper Chicken Shines in the Air Fryer

• Unlock Quick Crispy Goodness: Discover a simple method to transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-style crispy delight without deep frying.
• Master Foolproof Seasoning: Create a perfectly balanced spice blend that guarantees maximum flavor in every single bite of chicken.
• Healthier Cooking Hack: Enjoy the crunch of fried chicken with significantly less oil, making this recipe a smarter choice for health-conscious food lovers.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or quick protein-packed meals that please both kids and adults with its irresistible crunch and taste.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

• Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breasts: Fresh meat cuts that provide a tender and juicy base for this crispy air fryer recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A robust spice mix that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Eggs, Milk, Vegetable Oil: These ingredients create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in the chicken's moisture and enhances its texture.

Cooking Spray: A light layer that helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

These seasonings will make your chicken super delicious and packed with incredible taste.

Step 2: Dry Chicken Perfectly

Use paper towels to completely dry chicken thighs and breasts. Removing moisture helps seasonings stick better and creates crunchier results.

Step 3: Massage Seasonings Into Meat

Generously coat each chicken piece with the spice blend. Use your hands to rub seasonings deeply into every part of the meat for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Create Breading Station

• First dish: Combine flour and cornstarch
• Second dish: Whisk eggs and milk together

Step 5: First Flour Coating

Dredge each seasoned chicken piece in flour mixture. Make sure every inch gets covered evenly for perfect crispiness.

Step 6: Dunk In Egg Wash

Dip floured chicken into egg mixture, letting excess liquid drip off smoothly.

Step 7: Second Flour Coating

Roll chicken again in flour mixture, creating an extra crispy exterior that will make your chicken irresistible.

Step 8: Add Oil Layer

Lightly brush each coated chicken piece with vegetable oil to help achieve gorgeous golden color.

Step 9: Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Arrange Chicken Carefully

Place chicken pieces in single layer without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 11: Fry To Perfection

Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure beautiful golden-brown color on all sides.

Step 12: Check Safety Temperature

Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.

Step 13: Rest And Enjoy

Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices and enhances overall flavor before serving.

Tips for Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Done Right

• Maximize Crispiness: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help breading stick perfectly and achieve ultra-crispy exterior.
• Perfect Seasoning Technique: Massage spices into meat thoroughly to ensure deep, even flavor penetration throughout each chicken piece.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil to guarantee easy chicken removal and prevent potential tearing.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature hits 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Rest for Juiciness: Let cooked chicken rest 3-5 minutes after air frying to allow juices to redistribute, creating more tender and flavorful meat.

Flavor Swaps for Salt and Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Cayenne Crunch: Boost heat by adding cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend, creating a fiery kick that transforms the classic salt and pepper chicken into a zesty sensation.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, introducing a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates the chicken's taste complexity.
• Coconut Curry Coating: Incorporate curry powder and shredded coconut into the flour mixture, offering a tropical-inspired crunch with warm, aromatic undertones.
• Korean Gochujang Glaze: Mix gochujang paste with honey after cooking, brushing the crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce for an unexpected flavor burst.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the salt and pepper chicken's delicate seasoning, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Wine-Friendly Accompaniment: Create a refreshing cucumber and dill salad that provides cool contrast to the crispy, spiced chicken, balancing the dish's warm, peppery profile.
• Texture-Matching Side: Serve roasted garlic parmesan asparagus as a sophisticated vegetable side that echoes the chicken's golden, crispy exterior while adding elegant herbaceous undertones.
• Beverage Harmony: Choose a light, citrusy craft beer like a wheat ale or pilsner to match the chicken's clean, bold seasoning and cut through its savory, crispy coating.

Smart Storage for Salt and Pepper Chicken Leftovers

• Place cooled chicken in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag, storing for up to 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Restore crispiness by warming in air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
• Separate chicken pieces with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual piece integrity.

FAQ Guide for Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

• What makes the breading process unique in this recipe?

The double-dredging technique with flour and egg wash creates an extra crispy, textured exterior that seals in moisture and provides a satisfying crunch.

• Why is patting the chicken dry important?

Removing excess moisture helps seasonings adhere better and ensures the breading sticks effectively, resulting in a more flavorful and crisp coating.

• How does the spice blend contribute to the dish's flavor?

The combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika creates a robust, well-balanced seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural taste without overpowering it.

• What role does the vegetable oil brushing play in the recipe?

Lightly brushing the chicken with oil promotes better browning and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer salt and pepper chicken brings Chinese takeout magic right to home kitchens with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken pieces deliver restaurant-quality flavor that satisfies quick dinner cravings you’ll absolutely love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 chicken breasts

Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
2. Pat chicken thighs and breasts completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Generously coat each chicken piece with the prepared spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat thoroughly.
4. Prepare a standard breading station: mix flour and cornstarch in one shallow dish, whisk eggs and milk together in another dish.
5. Dredge each seasoned chicken piece first in the flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
7. Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating, creating a crispy, textured exterior.
8. Lightly brush each coated chicken piece with vegetable oil to enhance browning.
9. Preheat air fryer to 375°F, ensuring the basket is clean and lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
10. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing hot air to circulate freely.
11. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure uniform golden-brown crispiness.
12. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.
13. Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and enhance flavor.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess liquid, guaranteeing maximum seasoning absorption and crispier exterior.
• Breading Technique: Double-dredging creates an extra-crunchy coating by building multiple layers of flour and egg wash for supreme texture.
• Temperature Precision: Using a meat thermometer ensures chicken reaches safe 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juicy and tender meat.
• Versatile Seasoning: Experiment with spice blend by adding cayenne for heat, smoked paprika for depth, or dried herbs like thyme for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg