Burnt Garlic Pepper Chicken

Ingredients

• 500 g boneless chicken thighs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp oil (For the chicken marinade)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp crushed black pepper (For coating the chicken)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp rice flour or all-purpose flour (Use either rice flour or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp oil or ghee (For tossing the cooked chicken)
• 7 curry leaves (Use 7–8 leaves)
• 5 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 1 green chili (Chopped)
• 1 tbsp freshly crushed black pepper (For tossing)
• lemon juice (A squeeze, to finish)
• fresh coriander (For finishing; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the boneless chicken thighs in a bowl. Add the egg, 1 tablespoon oil, ginger-garlic paste, salt, 1½ teaspoons crushed black pepper, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cornflour, and rice flour or all-purpose flour.

2. 2

   Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover and rest for 15–20 minutes so the seasoning absorbs and the coating hydrates.

3. 3

   Preheat an air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in the basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary so the pieces are not crowded.

4. 4

   Air-fry the chicken for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through with slightly charred edges. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. 5

   Heat 1 teaspoon oil or ghee in a wide pan over medium heat.

6. 6

   Add the curry leaves, minced garlic, and chopped green chili. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned, taking care not to burn it.

7. 7

   Add 1 tablespoon freshly crushed black pepper and toss for a few seconds until aromatic.

8. 8

   Add the air-fried chicken to the pan. Toss thoroughly until the garlic, curry leaves, chili, and pepper are distributed over the chicken.

9. 9

   Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve immediately while crisp.

Notes

The source specifies rice flour or all-purpose flour as alternatives. Air-fry in batches if needed to prevent steaming and preserve crispness.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Indian
• South Asian
• air-fried
• spicy
• high-protein
• gluten-free option
• chicken