Air Fryer Creamy Pepper Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy pepper sauce with loads of savory flavor. The air fryer gives the chicken beautifully golden edges while keeping it tender and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Pepper Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry and brush it with olive oil. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cracked black pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the heavy cream, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it into the creamy pepper sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken and simmer gently for another 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Tips
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best pepper flavor.
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- For an extra-rich sauce, add a little more Parmesan cheese.