Heart-Healthy Taiwanese Fried Chicken

Indulge in a guilt-free twist on a beloved street food classic with this Heart-Healthy Taiwanese Fried Chicken recipe! Perfectly marinated in a savory blend of low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and aromatic five-spice powder, these tender chicken bites are air-fried to golden perfection without the need for excessive oil or deep frying. A light coating of cornstarch or arrowroot powder creates a satisfyingly crispy texture, while an olive oil spray adds a touch of indulgence. Garnish with crispy Thai basil leaves for an authentic and aromatic flair. This quick and easy air fryer recipe is packed with bold flavors and designed to fit into heart-conscious diets, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking comfort food with a healthy twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful, family-friendly dish you’ll want to make on repeat!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Rice vinegar
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Five-spice powder
• 0.5 teaspoon White pepper
• 0.5 cup Non-GMO cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 0 Olive oil spray
• 0.25 cup Fresh Thai basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.

Step 2

In a small bowl, prepare the marinade by combining low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Mix well.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, making sure they're evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 4

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture.

Step 6

Place the cornstarch or arrowroot powder in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each chicken piece in the powder, shaking off any excess. This will create a light and crispy coating without the need for heavy batter or deep frying.

Step 7

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure none of the pieces overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 8

Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 9

Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Optional: While the chicken is cooking, lightly toast the Thai basil leaves in a small skillet with minimal oil spray until crisp, for garnish.

Step 11

Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and garnish with crispy Thai basil leaves, if desired.

Step 12

Serve immediately and enjoy this heart-healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional Taiwanese fried chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(705.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1501.1

Total Fat 50.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 567.0mg	0%
Sodium 1919.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 128.5g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 163.9mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 1311.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.2%

Protein: 35.2%

Carbs: 33.6%