Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites: Savory (Print Version)
Make Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. Easy recipe for perfectly seasoned, tender chicken.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (about 1.5 lbs), cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Crispy Coating
02 -
1/4 cup cornstarch
03 -
1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
05 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
06 -
1 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1 tsp onion powder
08 -
1 tsp white pepper (plus more for finishing)
09 -
1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more for finishing)
→ Optional Garnishes
10 -
Fresh chopped scallions
11 -
Sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab those boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them super dry with paper towels. Honestly, this is a non-negotiable step for crispiness! Then, cut them into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces. I try to make them uniform so they cook evenly, but don't stress too much about perfection. Think rustic charm! Pop them into a medium bowl, ready for their flavor bath. I usually have chicken bits all over the counter at this point, but that's just part of the fun.
02 -
Now for the good stuff! In that bowl with the chicken, drizzle in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, a splash of your neutral oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of white pepper. Give it all a really good toss to make sure every single piece of chicken is coated. I use my hands for this, it just feels right! Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even better, 30 minutes if you have the time. This is where the flavor truly sinks in, making those chicken bites sing.
03 -
Time for the crunch factor! Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated chicken. Start with about half, toss it, then add more until all the chicken pieces are lightly coated, looking almost dusty. You want a thin, even layer – no big clumps! This is what creates that beautiful, shatteringly crispy crust. I often find myself adding a little extra cornstarch because I love that super crunchy exterior, but don't overdo it!
04 -
This step is crucial, don't forget it like I used to! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer means instant crisping when the chicken hits the basket. If you put chicken into a cold air fryer, it just steams, and we want CRUNCH. Trust me on this one; a properly preheated air fryer makes all the difference for these chicken bites.
05 -
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it! Seriously, overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness. You'll likely need to do this in two batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then pull out the basket and give the chicken a good shake or flip with tongs. Continue air frying for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
06 -
Once your chicken bites are done, transfer them to a bowl. Now for the final flourish! Add more salt and white pepper to taste. I often like a little extra kick here. Give it a final toss. The aroma at this stage is incredible – savory, peppery, slightly tangy. They should be beautifully golden and wonderfully crispy. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
# Notes:
01 -
Always preheat your air fryer; it's a game-changer for crispiness.
02 -
Reheat in the air fryer, not the microwave, to keep that crunch.
03 -
Chicken thighs are best, but breast works if you watch cook time closely.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh scallions really brightens the dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
mixing bowls
03 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 30g