Crispy Flourless Fried Chicken – Ayam Goreng Singkawang

Name: Crispy Flourless Fried Chicken - Ayam Goreng Singkawang
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken thigh fillet; 10 gr chicken powder; 5 gr salt; 2 gr sugar; 2 gr pepper; ½ tsp basic seasoning; 1 tsp fish sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp oyster sauce

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This flourless fried chicken creates crispy chicken without flour using simple seasonings and traditional Indonesian flavors. Known as Ayam Goreng Singkawang, this Indonesian fried chicken stays juicy inside while developing a naturally crisp exterior without any wheat flour coating.

Flourless fried chicken slices on a white plate with some cucumber slices and basil leaves.

A Quick Look at the Recipe

🏷️ Recipe Name: Crispy Flourless Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Singkawang)
⏱️ Ready In: ~ 30 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4 pieces
🔥 Calories: 576 kcal (per piece)
🧾 Main Ingredients: Chicken thigh fillet, salt, sugar, pepper, chicken powder, fish sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce.
🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten free
🧠 Difficulty: Easy with guided steps.

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Finding the perfect crispy flourless fried chicken can feel impossible, but this Indonesian version proves otherwise. Known as Ayam Goreng Singkawang, this dish from West Kalimantan delivers deep flavor and irresistible crunch without using wheat flour. Indonesian chicken recipes are really worth saving. Ayam Goreng Singkawang, a flourless fried chicken, is one of many flavorful dishes in my collection of Asian chicken recipes.

Ayam Goreng Singkawang

Indonesia has many regional fried chicken recipes, and Ayam Goreng Singkawang is one of the simpler home-style versions from Singkawang, West Kalimantan. Unlike many fried chicken recipes that rely on flour coatings, this version creates flavor through a blend of seasonings and frying technique. The result is juicy chicken with a naturally crispy exterior that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and sambal.

If you enjoy Indonesian chicken dishes, try ayam balado, chicken curry, or chicken rendang for more bold and comforting flavors.

Love crispy chicken? You may also enjoy my gluten-free fried chicken with tapioca flour, which uses a light coating for extra crunch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple and quick – This recipe comes together easily and only needs about 10 minutes of marinating time before frying.
Big flavor with basic ingredients – Garlic, seasonings, and simple pantry staples create surprisingly bold flavor.
Naturally flour free – No wheat flour or coating needed. The chicken develops a crispy exterior naturally.
Crispy outside, juicy inside – Golden crispy skin and tender chicken make every bite satisfying.
Traditional Indonesian flavors – Inspired by Ayam Goreng Singkawang, this recipe brings a taste of Indonesian home cooking.

Recipe Ingredients

A photo of flourless fried chicken basic seasoning with labels.

A photo of other seasoning ingredients with labels.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken powder – Chicken powder adds extra savory depth and boosts the overall flavor of the marinade. If you do not have it, you can substitute with mushroom bouillon powder for a similar umami effect.

Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce creates a rich savory base and helps the chicken develop deeper flavor. It does not make the chicken taste like seafood, but adds balanced sweetness and umami.

Sesame oil – A small amount of sesame oil adds a fragrant nutty aroma that complements the seasonings. Since sesame oil has a strong flavor, a little goes a long way.

Fish sauce – Fish sauce adds another layer of umami and helps round out the seasoning. Don’t worry, the chicken will not taste fishy because only a small amount is used.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Variations

Add more heat – Toss in chili powder, crushed chili flakes, or serve with homemade sambal for a spicier version.
Use different chicken cuts – Drumsticks, wings, thighs, or chicken tenders all work well. Just adjust the frying time based on the size.
Add aromatic flavors – Add a little grated ginger, turmeric powder, or lemongrass to the marinade for extra Indonesian flavor.
Make it lighter – You can air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying. Lightly spray oil on the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked.

How to Make Flourless Fried Chicken

Step by step process photos of mixing the seasoning for flourless fried chicken.

STEP 1. In a small container, mix chicken powder, salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir well (Images 1, 2). You can prepare this basic seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for future use. For one chicken thigh, use 1/2 teaspoon of the basic seasoning, along with fish sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce (Image 3). Stir until well combined (Image 4).

Step by step process photos of marinating the chicken.

STEP 2. Place the chicken thigh fillet in a bowl. Massage it thoroughly with the seasoning, making sure every piece is evenly coated (Images 5, 6). Cover with cling wrap and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat enough oil in a pan for deep frying. To test if the oil is ready, dip a bamboo stick or chopstick into it (Image 7). If bubbles appear around it and faint smoke rises, the oil is hot enough. Carefully add the chicken (Image 8).

Step by step process photos of deep-frying the chicken.

STEP 3. Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown on each side (Images 9, 10). Once done, drain the excess oil. Slice the chicken to your preferred size (Images 11, 12). Serve with chili sauce and steamed white rice. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Marinate longer for deeper flavor – Marinate the chicken for at least 10–15 minutes, but if time allows, leave it in the refrigerator overnight for richer flavor.
Double-fry for extra crispiness – Fry the chicken until lightly golden, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry again briefly. The second fry helps create an even crispier exterior.
Keep the oil temperature steady – Aim for around 170°C (340°F). Oil that is too cool can make the chicken greasy, while oil that is too hot may brown the outside before the inside cooks through.
Choose a high smoke-point oil – Oils such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or coconut oil work well for deep-frying and help the chicken cook evenly.
Let the chicken rest before serving – Rest the chicken for a few minutes after frying so the juices redistribute and the coating settles.

Serving Suggestions

Flourless Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Singkawang) is best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve it with warm steamed rice and Sambal Bajak for a spicy kick. To round out the meal, pair it with comforting Indonesian dishes like Sop Buntut, a rich oxtail soup, or Soto Betawi, a creamy coconut milk–based beef soup that balances the crispy chicken beautifully.

Finish with something sweet such as Mango Sago Dessert for a cool and refreshing contrast. If you prefer a warm dessert, try Pulut Hitam, a comforting black glutinous rice porridge with coconut milk.

Flourless Fried Chicken FAQs

Can I make crispy fried chicken without using flour?

Yes. Crispy fried chicken without flour relies on well-seasoned chicken skin and proper frying temperature. In recipes like Ayam Goreng Singkawang, the skin becomes golden and crispy during frying without needing any flour coating.

What makes Ayam Goreng Singkawang unique among Indonesian fried chicken dishes?

Ayam Goreng Singkawang stands out because it uses simple seasonings and no flour coating. The chicken is marinated, then fried until crispy on the outside while staying juicy and flavorful inside.

Can I use an air fryer to cook flourless fried chicken?

Yes, you can use an air fryer to prepare flourless fried chicken. Simply spray some oil on each side and put the chicken in the air-fryer.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes. Marinating overnight gives the seasonings more time to penetrate the meat and creates a deeper flavor.

Why is my flourless fried chicken not crispy?

Oil that is too cool can make the chicken greasy instead of crispy. Keep the oil around 170°C (340°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Flourless fried chicken slices on a white plate, garnished with lettuce.

Storage

Store leftover flourless fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven, air fryer, or pan over medium heat until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the skin may soften.