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Macro close-up shot of crispy golden-brown Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Achieve takeout-quality crunch with this highly optimized Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Features a shattered-glass crust, vibrant red chilis, scallions, and bold seasoning, all served perfectly over a bed of fluffy white rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs (680g) Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp Light soy sauce (15ml)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (15ml) Or dry sherry
  • 1 large Egg white Lightly beaten
  • 0.5 cup Cornstarch (60g)
  • 1 tsp Coarse sea salt (5g)
  • 1 tsp Cracked black pepper (2g) Freshly cracked
  • 2 small Vibrant red chilis Finely sliced
  • 3 stalks Fresh green scallions Finely sliced
  • 1 can Avocado oil spray For hydrating the cornstarch

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer Basket-style or oven-style for optimal air circulation.
  • 1 Silicone-Tipped Tongs To flip the chicken without breaking the crispy crust.

Method
 

Prep and Cook
  1. Place diced chicken thighs into a large bowl. Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and egg white. Mix vigorously until the liquid is absorbed. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken. Toss with your hands until every piece is heavily coated and has a dry, shaggy exterior.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with avocado oil. Arrange chicken in a single layer and spray tops heavily with oil. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway and re-spraying any dry spots.
  4. Transfer the hot, golden-brown chicken to a clean bowl. Immediately toss with coarse sea salt, cracked black pepper, sliced red chilis, and scallions. Serve over fluffy white rice.

Notes

Do not crowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
Ensure the cornstarch is fully saturated with oil spray to avoid powdery spots.