Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Karaage
Craving that perfectly crispy Japanese fried chicken? This Air Fryer Chicken Karaage is the answer! Marinated chicken thigh pieces, coated in potato starch, and air-fried to golden perfection—no deep fryer needed. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp!
Nicky’s Recipe Notes
The Air Fryer Chicken Karaage recipe has become a new favorite in our household. My 15-year-old son has made it several times, claiming that the effort-to-taste ratio is ‘entirely worth it’.
Why is it so good? Here are a few key points:
- The chicken is juicy and flavorful (using chicken thighs is essential), and the coating achieves the ideal crispiness.
- It’s quick! With just 10 minutes of marinating, it’s mixed with potato starch and into the air fryer it goes.
- Way less mess than deep frying; no large pan of oil to manage.
- It’s super versatile—we use it in rice bowls, burgers, smothered in katsu sauce, or simply with lemon and kewpie mayo.
📋 Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Karaage
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken thigh fillets
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100 g (2/3 cup) potato starch or rice flour
- Spray oil for cooking
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Karaage
***Full recipe with detailed steps below***
Pro Tip
Make sure to keep the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even crispiness. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
This Air Fryer Chicken Karaage makes an excellent rice bowl dinner, simply by placing it on a bed of rice topped with your favorite vegetables!
🍽️ What to Serve It With
Consider pairing your Chicken Karaage with:
- White rice
- Pickled vegetables
- Dipping sauces (like mayo and sriracha)
- Fresh salad
Check out BIGZBBQ for more tips on enhancing your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer Chicken Karaage fresh from the air fryer, but you can make it ahead to reheat. Cook, cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Reheat in the air fryer for about 5-6 minutes at 200°C/400°F until crispy.
Potato starch leads to a crispier coating than cornflour. However, potato starch browns more slowly, so if you substitute cornflour, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
