Crispy air fryer salt and pepper chicken fakeaway with jasmine rice—healthy, flavorful, and easy. A full guide with tips, FAQs, and serving ideas.
Air fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Fakeaway with Jasmine Rice is one of the most beloved Chinese-inspired takeaway dishes recreated at home in a healthier way. This flavorful recipe blends crispy chicken, aromatic peppers, and fragrant jasmine rice—offering the perfect balance between comfort food and a nutritious, home-cooked meal. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity, speed, and bold flavors. And because it’s made in the air fryer, it stays wonderfully light while still tasting indulgent.I first learned to make this fakeaway-style meal during a busy week when I desperately wanted the satisfaction of takeaway but needed something more wholesome. I remember tossing the chicken in a quick seasoning blend while jasmine rice steamed on the stove, filling my kitchen with cozy aromas. From that moment onward, this became one of my go-to weeknight meals—especially when I want something fast but packed with personality.
Ingredient spotlight: The key ingredient here is jasmine rice. Its fragrant, slightly floral aroma pairs beautifully with the peppery chicken. Choose high-quality Thai jasmine rice if possible, ideally a brand labeled Hom Mali. If you can’t find jasmine rice, long-grain rice works as a solid substitute. It won’t be as aromatic, but it still offers a fluffy base that absorbs the chicken’s seasoning well.
Technique tip: Many home cooks accidentally dry out their chicken in the air fryer. The fix is simple—marinate the chicken lightly beforehand, don’t overcrowd the basket, and shake halfway through. This ensures heat circulates fully, giving every piece an evenly crisp exterior without toughening the meat.
This dish also happens to be naturally gluten-free provided you use tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative. It’s also easily adaptable for halal households as you can use certified chicken without changing any ingredients.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed ingredient list, step-by-step directions, and expert insights on preparation, timing, serving ideas, and FAQs—all crafted to help home cooks create a healthy recipe that tastes just like a true takeaway classic.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.2 lb (550 g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
(Thighs stay juicier than breasts; breast works too if preferred.) - 2 tbsp (30 ml) light soy sauce
(Use tamari for gluten-free.) - 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
(Adds aroma; olive oil works as a substitute.) - 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
(Freshly ground gives the brightest flavor.) - ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (8 g)
(Creates crispiness in the air fryer; substitute with potato starch.) - 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 fresh chilies, sliced (optional)
For the Jasmine Rice
- 1 cup (200 g) uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp neutral oil (optional for fluffier texture)
For Finishing
- 2–3 scallions, sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Extra cracked pepper to taste
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sea salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken pieces, mixing well to ensure even coating. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor. - Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, slice your bell peppers, onion, and chilies. Keep them in a separate bowl. - Coat Chicken with Cornstarch
Add cornstarch to the marinated chicken and toss until every piece looks lightly dusted. This helps each piece crisp beautifully in the air fryer. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. - Air Fry the Chicken
Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook 8 minutes, shake the basket, then cook another 6–7 minutes until golden and crisp. - Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a pan on medium-high. Add a splash of oil. Toss in peppers, onion, and chilies. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and extra pepper. - Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Add air-fried chicken to the pan. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. - Cook the Jasmine Rice
Rinse rice until the water runs mostly clear. Add rice, water, and salt to a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off heat, let rest 5 minutes, fluff gently. - Assemble and Serve
Spoon jasmine rice onto plates, top with the pepper chicken mix, and finish with scallions and sesame seeds.
How to Prepare
Start by preparing the marinade. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices creates a savory foundation. Marinating for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to penetrate the chicken’s fibers. While marinating, rinse jasmine rice thoroughly to remove starch. This step guarantees fluffy grains.
Next, coat the chicken in a thin layer of cornstarch. This does not make a thick batter; instead, it creates a crisp shell as the air fryer circulates heat. Preheating the air fryer helps the chicken begin crisping immediately.
When cooking, ensure the basket is not overcrowded. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping. Shake the basket halfway through to expose all surfaces to heat.
Prepare the vegetable stir-fry separately. Sautéing onions and peppers brings sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the peppery chicken. Once combined, toss briefly to avoid softening the vegetables too much.
Finally, cook the jasmine rice using the absorption method. Letting it rest before fluffing prevents breaking the grains. Serve together so the rice absorbs juices from the chicken and vegetables.
Preparation Time
- Marinating: 15–60 minutes
- Chicken prep and coating: 10 minutes
- Air frying: 14–16 minutes
- Vegetable stir-fry: 4–5 minutes
- Rice cooking: 12 minutes + 5-minute rest
- Total active time: ~35 minutes
- Total time including marination: 50–90 minutes
Servings
- Serves 4 generous portions
What to Serve With
- Crispy spring rolls — Adds crunch that complements the tender chicken.
- Simple Asian cucumber salad — Provides refreshing acidity to balance peppery flavors.
- Stir-fried green beans with garlic — Offers extra greens with a savory bite.
- Sweet chili dipping sauce — Adds sweetness and heat, perfect for drizzling.
- Pickled carrots and daikon — Adds tangy crispness for contrast.
- Chilled jasmine tea — A soft beverage choice that cools the palate.
- Light lager or sparkling water — Enhances the aromatic spices without overpowering them.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh meat?
Yes. Chicken breast works well, but monitor cooking time closely since breasts dry faster. Reduce the air fryer time by 2 minutes if using breasts.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
3. Can I cook everything in the air fryer without using a pan?
You can. Add sliced vegetables to the air fryer for the last 5 minutes of cooking. However, they become softer and less caramelized compared to pan sautéing.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.
5. Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Add extra chilies, increase black pepper, or sprinkle chili flakes when tossing the final dish.
Conclusion
Air fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Fakeaway with Jasmine Rice is proof that weeknight meals can be simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. By using the air fryer, you achieve a crisp texture without excess oil, and the jasmine rice provides a fragrant base that ties everything together. The dish is flexible enough for family dinners, meal prep, or healthier takeaway nights at home.
The beauty of this recipe is its balance—peppery heat, tender chicken, lightly sweet vegetables, and aromatic rice. It elevates everyday ingredients into something bright and memorable. With just a few smart techniques—marinating well, dusting with cornstarch, not overcrowding the air fryer—you can consistently achieve restaurant-quality results.
Whether you’re craving comfort food, trying to cook healthier, or simply want a meal that tastes like a treat, this dish delivers. It’s easy enough for beginners and rewarding for experienced cooks. Keep this recipe in your rotation whenever you need a flavorful, fuss-free fakeaway that satisfies every time.
