Ingredients
- 500 g Maris Piper potatoes cut into chips
- 2 tbsp preferred oil divided
- 4 tsp Fused Spice Bag Seasoning divided
- 2 chicken breasts cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- ½ red pepper thinly sliced
- ½ green pepper thinly sliced
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 fresh red chilli finely sliced
- 2 spring onions finely sliced
- 1 pouch Fused Chinese Curry Stir Fry Sauce
Instructions
- Rinse the chips under cold water until the water runs clearer, then pat them really dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. Toss with 1 tbsp oil and 1 tsp Fused Spice Bag Seasoning.
- Air fry the chips at 200°C for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket a few times, until golden and crisp. Keep them in a single layer as much as possible so they crisp rather than steam.
- Meanwhile, add the chicken strips to a bowl with the cornflour and 2 tsp Fused Spice Bag Seasoning. Toss well until every piece is lightly coated.
- Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden at the edges, crisp on the outside and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the red pepper, green pepper, onion and fresh chilli to the same hot pan. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly charred at the edges but still crunchy.
- Return the chicken to the pan, then add the crispy chips. Sprinkle over the remaining 1 tsp Fused Spice Bag Seasoning and toss everything together over a high heat for 30 to 60 seconds until the seasoning coats the chicken, chips and veg.
- Scatter over the spring onions and serve immediately with warm Fused Chinese Curry Stir Fry Sauce on the side for dipping.
Fused Top Tip
How do I get really crispy chips?
Dry chips = crispy chips.
After rinsing the potatoes, dry them really well before adding the oil. Any excess surface water creates steam in the air fryer, which works against the crispy golden edges you want in a proper spice bag.
Also, do not overcrowd the basket. Cook the chips in two batches if your air fryer is small.
Easy Swaps
How can I make this spice bag even quicker?
Use 500g frozen straight cut chips and air fry according to the pack instructions. Make sure they are properly crisp before tossing them with the chicken, vegetables and seasoning.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Cut them into thin strips so they cook quickly and evenly.
How can I make this spice bag vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with extra firm tofu. Coat it with cornflour and Fused Spice Bag Seasoning, then air fry or pan fry until golden and crisp before tossing everything together.
How can I make my spice bag hotter?
Add another fresh chilli or an extra pinch of Fused Spice Bag Seasoning when you toss the chicken, chips and vegetables together.
Spice Bag Recipe FAQs
What is an Irish spice bag?
An Irish spice bag is a takeaway favourite made with crispy chicken, chips, peppers, onion and chilli tossed together with a salty, spicy seasoning. Curry sauce is often served alongside for dipping.
Can I make a spice bag in an air fryer?
Yes. An air fryer is ideal for getting the chips crisp without deep frying. This recipe air fries the homemade chips while the chicken and vegetables cook quickly in a pan.
For an even easier version, the seasoned chicken can also be cooked in the air fryer.
What is a spice bag called in the UK?
There is not an exact UK equivalent. However, salt and chilli chicken, salt and chilli chips and salt and pepper chips are common Chinese takeaway favourites with a very similar flavour profile.
An Irish spice bag brings crispy chicken, seasoned chips, peppers, onion and chilli together in one dish.
What do you serve with a spice bag?
Chinese curry sauce is the classic partner. The warm, savoury sauce is perfect for dipping the crispy chicken and chips.
Sweet chilli sauce or garlic mayo can also work, but Chinese curry gives this version that proper fakeaway finish.
Can I use frozen chips for a spice bag?
Absolutely. Frozen chips make this recipe even faster. Choose straight cut or chip shop style chips, cook them until properly crisp, then toss them through the chicken, vegetables and seasoning just before serving.
