Air Fryer Sichuan Chicken Recipe 辣子鸡 – Spicy, Crispy & Flavorful

At United Dumplings, our Sichuan Chicken is one of our top-selling dishes—both at our restaurants and as a favorite choice in our catering trays—loved for its bold flavors, authentic Sichuan spices, and perfect balance of crispiness and heat. Inspired by this customer favorite, we’ve adapted our Sichuan Chicken recipe into an easy air fryer version you can make at home! Ever since I discovered this trick, I find myself making it at least three times a week—it's that good!

This easy Sichuan Chicken recipe is not only irresistibly tasty but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. No need for deep frying—just an air fryer, some fresh chicken thigh meat, and a handful of flavorful spices. The result? Perfectly crispy, juicy chicken bites bursting with spice and aroma.

Read More: Sichuan Chicken With Red Pepper 辣子鸡 – One of the Best Chinese Dishes at United Dumplings!

Air Fryer Sichuan Chicken: An Authentic Sichuan Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp United Dumplings’ Homemade Chili Crisp (available online and in-store)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 3-4 dried red chilies, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 scallion, sliced for garnish
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and our signature Homemade Chili Paste for that perfect depth of flavor. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the delicious spices.
2. Coat for Extra Crispiness: Toss the marinated chicken with cornstarch and flour to create a light, crispy coating.
3. Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line the basket with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook for another 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Add the Final Touches: In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and sauté the dried red chilies and minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the crispy chicken and mix well.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or enjoy on its own as a delicious snack!

Read More: The Fascinating History of Sichuan Spicy Chicken (辣子鸡) – A Star Among Popular Chinese Dishes

This air fryer Sichuan Chicken recipe delivers the same crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior as traditional versions—without the extra oil. If you're looking for an easy recipe to enjoy spicy Sichuan flavors, this dish is a must-try! It's the perfect quick meal for busy weekdays, whether you're packing lunch or craving a satisfying dinner.

Our Homemade Chili Crisp isn’t just for Sichuan Chicken—it’s a versatile staple for any spice lover’s kitchen! Drizzle it over dumplings, mix it into noodles, or even add a spoonful to stir-fries and soups for an instant flavor boost. With its perfect balance of heat and umami, this condiment brings depth and excitement to any dish. Think of it as your go-to homemade Sichuan sauce for elevating everyday meals. Available for purchase online and in-store!

Try this easy Sichuan Chicken recipe today and bring a little United Dumplings magic into your home kitchen! Whether you're a longtime fan of spicy Chinese chicken or just discovering the magic of Sichuan flavors, this recipe is a delicious place to start.

Happy cooking!

Julia and Sandy