Air Fryer Five-Spice Chicken
This easy Air Fryer Five-Spice Chicken recipe delivers incredibly crispy, flavorful chicken drumsticks or thighs with minimal oil. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it's a perfect weeknight meal that brings a taste of Asian cuisine to your table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken drumsticks or thighs skin on
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 0.5 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with grated garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil, if desired. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces. Continue to air fry for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Ensure chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer for maximum crispiness; cook in batches if necessary. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. Chicken thighs can also be used.