Air Fryer Chicken Karaage

Air fryer chicken karaage is Japanese fried chicken made with tender pieces of chicken thighs and an easy marinade. The chicken pieces are air fried until crispy and require minimal oil!

The air fryer has definitely become one of our favorite ways to prepare chicken when we’re craving crispy results! The air fryer crisps up chicken without all the oil that is used when pan frying or deep frying, like with these yummy air fryer chicken bites.

So, we can get healthier crispy chicken by using the air fryer version, like this air fryer sesame chicken or air fryer orange chicken by relying on the hot air circulation of the air fryer.

We’ve been loving this crispy air fryer karaage recipe as an appetizer served with kewpie mayo (a Japanese mayo), but it’s also delicious served with some Instant Pot jasmine rice and a side of sous vide broccoli.

You might also like this chicken karaage don (rice bowl).

What is chicken karaage?

Karaage is a traditional Japanese cooking method that involves dredging food in flour and/or starch and deep frying in oil. Karaage chicken (or Japanese fried chicken) is simply marinated chicken pieces that are dredged and then deep fried.

Why this crispy air fryer Japanese fried chicken recipe works

• Making chicken karaage in the air fryer means you get crispy chicken without all the extra oil of deep frying. So, it’s definitely a little healthier!
• The marinade is made with just 5 ingredients and it creates the most amazing flavor. And, don't worry, you only have to marinate the chicken for 30-60 minutes!
• It’s an easy recipe and is totally versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer or game day snack with your favorite dip, or pair it with rice and veggies for a delicious weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

For the full list of ingredients and quantities used please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

You’ll need boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2 inch pieces. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as it’s easier to cut into pieces compared to bone-in thighs.

The marinade is made with soy sauce, sake, ginger paste, sesame oil and mirin. 

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds depth of flavor to dishes. If you can’t find any, try substituting dry sherry.

Sesame oil is made from sesame seeds and it has a unique nutty flavor. I don’t recommend substituting with a different oil.

Substitutions and variations

• Substitute potato starch or rice flour for the cornstarch. I don't recommend using regular flour as it won't have that light, crisp texture you get from these other starches.
• Substitute dry sherry or dry white wine for the sake. You can also omit it or use broth in place of it.
• Use fresh ginger or ginger paste for this recipe - whatever is more convenient for you.
• You can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs if you desire.

Step by step instructions to make this air fryer chicken karaage recipe

1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces pieces. Combine all the marinade ingredients and mix the chicken in. Let it marinate in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

2. Mix the salt and cornstarch together, then coat the chicken with the cornstarch mixture.

3. Lightly oil the air fryer basket and place the coated chicken in a single layer, leaving space in between each piece (you'll need to cook in 2-3 batches) to ensure it maintains that crispy texture.

4. Lightly spray the top of the chicken pieces with oil and cook at 400°F degrees for 11-13 minutes, tossing once or twice during the cooking time to ensure it gets a crispy exterior.

Serve this Japanese karaage hot with Kewpie mayonnaise to dip it in and sprinkled with diced green onions. You can also serve with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the chicken up.

Expert tips

1. To ensure your chicken pieces cook evenly, make sure you cut them into roughly the same size pieces (about 2 inches).
2. To get the chicken browned and crispy on all sides, be sure to toss the chicken around in the air fryer basket a few times while cooking.
3. You’ll also want to give the coated chicken pieces space, by arranging them in a single layer and not overcrowding the air fryer. 
4. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll need to air fry the chicken in 2-3 batches.
5. Make sure you use a good quality spray oil to spray the air fryer basket and the chicken pieces. I like to use this oil sprayer and fill it with my favorite oil.
6. If your air fryer model requires preheating, you should preheat it before adding the first batch of chicken pieces
7. When dredging the chicken pieces in cornstarch, make sure they’re well coated but shake off any excess.
8. Each air fryer is a little different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.

Frequently asked questions

More air fryer chicken recipes

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