Japanese Airfried Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Karaage is the ultimate cheat code for fried chicken—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, all without the mess of deep frying. No splattering oil, no greasy cleanup, just golden nuggets of chicken straight from your air fryer. The bite-sized pieces make them dangerously addictive—one minute you’re grabbing a snack, the next you’ve cleared the entire plate. 

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Is it better than good old deep fried chicken? No.
Is it 80% there with 100% less work and mess? Yes!

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or even as part of a bigger meal, this lighter take on a Japanese classic is sure to become a favorite at home! 

airfried chicken served on plate topped with green onions and japanese mayo

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless Chicken thighs, cubed

  • 1/2 tsp Salt

  • 1/2 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp White pepper
  • 1 tbsp Mirin
  • 1 tbsp Ginger, minced

  • 1/4 cup Corn starch (coating)

  • 1/4 cup Flour (coating)

  • 2 stalks Green onions, diced

Optional:

  • Cooking oil spray

Finishing

  • Japanese Kewpie mayo

  • Japanese BBQ sauce

Step by step instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    Combine the chicken with salt, sugar, white pepper, mirin, and minced ginger. Let it sit for a short while to absorb the flavors.
  2. Coat the Chicken
    Roll each marinated piece in corn starch mixed with flour until fully coated. This gives the karaage its signature crispy exterior.
  3. Airfry the Chicken
    Preheat your airfryer to 360°F. Lay the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes. Optional, spray with cooking oil for a crispier finishing.
  4. Flip and Continue Cooking
    Turn the chicken pieces over and airfry for another 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Finish with Sauce
    Drizzle Japanese Kewpie mayo and BBQ saucer over the karaage, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions.
airfried chicken served on plate topped with green onions and japanese mayo
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Airfryer Karaage

Crispy, flavorful Japanese karaage made in the airfryer — ready in just 20 minutes!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Cost $6

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless Chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp White pepper
  • 1 tbsp Mirin
  • 1 tbsp Ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup Corn starch
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 2 stalks Green onions, diced
  • Japanese Kewpie Mayo
  • Japanese BBQ Sauce

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken with salt, sugar, white pepper, mirin, and minced ginger. Let it sit for a short while to absorb the flavors.
  • Coat the Chicken: Roll each marinated piece in corn starch mixed with flour until fully coated. This gives the karaage its signature crispy
  • Airfry the Chicken: Preheat your airfryer to 360°F. Lay the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes. Optional, spray with cooking oil for a crispier finishing.
  • Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the chicken pieces over and airfry for another 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Finish with Sauce: Drizzle Japanese Kewpie mayo and BBQ saucer over the karaage, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Also try these out!:

  1. Baked seafood rice
  2. Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
  3. Easy Airfryer Char Siu