Easy Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken – 20-Minute Meal!
Crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly simple, this air fryer salt and pepper chicken is a perfect midweek meal for the whole family. Packed with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, it delivers a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and umami in every bite.
The air fryer ensures a crispy texture without excessive oil, while Szechuan pepper and Chinese five-spice infuse the dish with bold, fragrant flavors. A quick toss with honey, rice wine, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and effortless to prepare.
Serve this dish over steaming rice with a drizzle of soy sauce for a comforting, restaurant-quality experience at home. Whether you’re craving a healthier takeout alternative or a flavorful family dinner, this recipe guarantees a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and savory goodness.
Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken: Key Ingredients
Chicken Thighs – Succulent and tender, these absorb the bold flavors while crisping beautifully in the air fryer.
Szechuan Pepper & Five-Spice – A dynamic duo that brings a fragrant heat and warm, earthy depth to every bite.
Red Chilli & Peppers – A vibrant mix of spice and sweetness, adding color and a subtle smoky undertone.
Spring Onions – Fresh and aromatic, these provide a crisp contrast and a mild, savory bite.
Pak Choi – Light and delicate, its leafy texture complements the dish’s bold, umami-rich flavors.
Honey & Rice Wine – A glossy, caramelized finish with a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.
Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken: Tips, Serving Suggestions & FAQ
This crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken is a game-changer for quick and easy meals. Infused with aromatic Szechuan pepper, Chinese five-spice, and fresh veggies, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout without compromising on taste. Below, you’ll find expert tips, serving ideas, and answers to common questions to help you perfect this dish.
Recipe Tips
1. Master the Crispiness
To achieve perfectly crispy chicken, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spacing out the chicken pieces allows for even air circulation, ensuring a crunchy, golden exterior. If needed, cook in batches to maintain texture and avoid steaming.
2. Customize the Heat Level
This recipe offers a mild heat with the balance of Szechuan pepper and red chili. For a spicier kick, add extra crushed Szechuan peppercorns or a dash of chili flakes. Prefer it milder? Reduce the chili or swap it for sweet bell peppers.
3. Enhance the Flavor with a Quick Marinade
For an even deeper flavor, let the chicken sit in the spice and cornflour mixture for 10–15 minutes before air frying. This short marination allows the spices to penetrate the meat, creating a richer, more aromatic taste.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken
1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
A classic pairing, steamed jasmine rice soaks up the savory juices and balances the bold flavors of the dish. For an extra touch, drizzle the rice with a bit of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Complement the dish with a side of quick stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Their crunch and freshness contrast beautifully with the crispy chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.
3. Garlic Noodles or Fried Rice
For a heartier pairing, serve the chicken with garlic-infused noodles or vegetable fried rice. These add another layer of texture and flavor, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner and may turn out drier. To prevent this, reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for the best texture, cook the chicken fresh. If reheating, use the air fryer at 180°C for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
3. What if I don’t have Shaoxing rice wine?
You can substitute it with dry sherry, mirin, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
This Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken is the perfect mix of ease, crunch, and bold flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving a quick, flavorful dinner, these tips will help you achieve the best results every time!
Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 400 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, roughly chopped
- 1½ tsp cornflour
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- ¾ tsp Szechuan pepper crushed (or substitute with black pepper)
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp olive oil
- 1 red chili finely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers roughly chopped
- 6 spring onions 4 roughly chopped, 2 sliced diagonally
- 2 pak choi leaves separated
- ½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine
- Cooked rice and soy sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornflour, salt, Szechuan pepper, and five-spice powder. Arrange them in the air fryer basket, ensuring even spacing, and cook for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped red chili, bell peppers, and roughly chopped spring onions with olive oil. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Add the pak choi leaves and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the vegetables are tender, transfer them to a bowl along with the reserved chicken. Drizzle with honey and Shaoxing rice wine, then stir to coat everything evenly. Return the mixture to the air fryer and cook for a final 2 minutes.
- Garnish with the diagonally sliced spring onions and serve immediately with steamed rice and a side of soy sauce.
