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