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–+ servings
Golden brown Japanese air fryer karaage with a crispy potato starch coating.

Air Fryer Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Karaage is Japanese fried chicken and one of the most popular dishes both at home and in Izakaya. This air fryer version makes it even simpler and less messy to make at home The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, sake, garlic, and ginger, then coated in potato starch for a crispy exterior. Air fryer makes them crisp, juicy, and golden so easily.
The secret marinade ingredient is maple syrup, which adds a subtle sweetness and makes the karaage even more irresistible, just like my mom used to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 serving
Calories 630 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs cut into 2 inche bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sake
  • 1½ tablespoons maple syrup sub: glanurated sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves grated
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1½ cup potato starch Katakuriko
  • Olive oil cooking spray any cooking oil spray works.
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl or sealable bag, combine the chicken, soy sauce, sake, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and salt and toss together to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for a deeper flavor.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, place the potato starch. Drain the chicken well from the marinade, then coat each piece evenly with potato starch.
  • Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Lightly spray the chicken with oil.
  • Air fry for 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and spray lightly with oil again. Any spots without oil can dry out, so make sure to spray the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for another 7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information provided is just an estimate, and accuracy is not guaranteed. Calculation does not include lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 630kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 33gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 929mgPotassium: 1014mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 133IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 2mg
Keyword air fryer, chicken, Healthy Meal
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