Taiwanese Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken: Crispy Bites (Print Version)
Taiwanese Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken brings authentic street food home! Get those crispy, tender bites with a savory kick, no deep frying needed.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 -
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
2 tbsp soy sauce
03 -
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
06 -
1/2 tsp white pepper
→ Breading & Frying
07 -
1/2 cup tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
08 -
1/2 tsp five-spice powder
09 -
Cooking oil spray (avocado or vegetable), as needed for spraying
→ Salt & Pepper Seasoning
10 -
1 tsp coarse sea salt (or to taste)
11 -
1/2 tsp white pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
→ Fresh Garnish
12 -
1 cup fresh basil leaves
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, maybe about 1-inch chunks. I find this size cooks evenly and gets super crispy. In a bowl, toss those chicken pieces with the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and that essential white pepper. Give it a good mix with your hands – honestly, it’s the best way to ensure everything is coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you can manage it, an hour or even overnight in the fridge makes a huge difference in flavor, I promise!
02 -
While your chicken is marinating, get your breading station ready. In a shallow dish, combine the tapioca starch and five-spice powder. This is where the magic happens for that irresistible crunch. One by one, take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it thoroughly in the starch mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. I always press the starch onto the chicken gently to ensure it sticks. Shake off any excess, because too much loose starch can burn in the air fryer. I've had that happen, and it makes for a smoky kitchen!
03 -
Time to get that air fryer hot! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for getting that immediate crisp. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a bit of oil – I usually use avocado oil spray. Now, arrange your coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. And here's a big one: do NOT overcrowd the basket. Seriously, this is where many go wrong. If you pile them up, they'll steam instead of crisp, and that's just a sad situation. Work in batches if you need to, I always do!
04 -
Pop that basket into the preheated air fryer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces. I usually give them another quick spray of oil at this point, just to help with browning. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, super crispy, and cooked through. Internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). I always peek and shake the basket a few times to ensure even cooking and maximum crunch. It's all about that golden-brown perfection!
05 -
Once your chicken is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. Now, for the fragrant basil! If you have any remaining oil in the air fryer basket, just add the fresh basil leaves directly. If not, give the basket another quick spray. Air fry the basil for just 1-2 minutes, or until it's crispy and fragrant. Watch it closely, because basil can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in seconds! I've definitely overdone it a time or two, making my kitchen smell like a campfire.
06 -
Transfer the crispy Taiwanese Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken to a serving plate. Immediately sprinkle it generously with your desired amount of salt and pepper seasoning. I like a good mix of coarse sea salt and freshly ground white pepper. Scatter those crispy fried basil leaves over the top. The aroma is just incredible! Serve hot, maybe with some extra seasoning on the side for anyone who wants a bit more kick. It’s seriously good, you won't believe it came from an air fryer!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the air fryer; it makes a huge difference for crispiness.
02 -
Prep the chicken and marinade the night before for super quick cooking.
03 -
No tapioca starch? Cornstarch works, but tapioca gives a chewier bite.
04 -
Serve with a side of steamed rice and a quick cucumber salad for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
shallow dish
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
Protein: 30 g