Air fryers have become quite popular over the past few years; they allow a pseudo deep fried food feel without using nearly as much oil. We decided to try the air fryer with a very popular Taiwanese street food, popcorn chicken, that traditionally has been deep fried. We think you will agree it was a success, with a nice crispy exterior, juicy interior, without the greasiness that sometimes plagues the true deep fried version. Give it a try!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce light, chinese five spice powder, garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp white pepper, salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, potato starch
- oil/cooking spray
(Salt & Pepper Mix)
- 1/2 tsp salt, white pepper, black pepper, chinese five spice powder, garlic powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken in the garlic, soy sauce, five spice, garlic powder, white pepper, 1/2 tablespoon oil and salt to marinade for 30 mins.
- Lightly pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the cornstarch and potato starch in a bowl, working in batches, toss and coat several pieces of chicken, making sure they are well coated and look fairly dry.
- Lightly oil or use cooking spray on the air fryer basket.
- Place the coated pieces of chicken in the basket, with at least 1/4” of space in between pieces. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Cook at 200°C for 5 mins, then flip and lightly spray with extra cooking spray. Cook for 5 more mins
- If your pieces of chicken are large, you might need an extra minute or two. Let the chicken cool for 5 mins, then air fry for an extra 5 mins to crisp it up.
- Immediately remove from the air fryer basket and let rest on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with the extra spice mix if desired and enjoy immediately!
