15 mins Air Fryer Karaage Chicken | Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Breast is leaner, drumsticks are often more affordable.

potato starch

🥗Healthier: cornstarch

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Cornstarch provides a similar crispiness.

Cut chicken thigh into strips to roll into thick chunks.

Season chicken with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sake, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp water, 1/2 tsp oyster sauce, black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic, 1/2 tsp ginger, and 1/2 tsp Toban Djan.

Preheat air fryer to 200℃ (392°F) for at least 3 minutes.

Mix corn starch and all purpose flour in a separate bowl.

Add 1 tbsp neutral oil to the flour mixture to help with caramelization.

Fold chicken strips to make them thicker, combining small bits if necessary.

Spray oil on the chicken pieces and arrange them in the air fryer basket with space in between for even airflow.

Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve with Japanese Mayo if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens