Air Fryer Chinese-Style Crispy Chicken with a Hint of Cinnamon

 

Air Fryer Chinese-Style Crispy Chicken with a Hint of Cinnamon

Air Fryer Chinese-Style Crispy Chicken with a Hint of Cinnamon

This recipe combines the crispy texture of air-fried chicken with the savoury flavours of Chinese cuisine and a touch of cinnamon for warmth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (contains cinnamon)1
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra cinnamon flavour)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Cooking spray
  • Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, chilli flakes

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until slightly frothy. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, white pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, and ground cinnamon (if using).
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg white, then dredge it in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between them. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
  5. Cook: Spray the chicken with more cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray again with cooking spray. Continue to air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and chilli flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

Taste and Additional Flavour:

This chicken will have a savoury, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavour profile thanks to the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and five-spice powder. The five-spice powder already contains cinnamon, so you'll get a subtle hint of its warmth.2 If you want a more pronounced cinnamon flavour, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the coating mixture.

For additional flavour, consider these options:

  • Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favourite Chinese dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, plum sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
  • Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chilli oil to the marinade or the coating for a spicy kick.
  • Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade for a sweeter flavour.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Add minced garlic and ginger to the marinade for extra flavour depth.

Enjoy your crispy and flavourful air-fried chicken! 

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