Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

karaage are plated with green mix and lemon wedges.

Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

5 from 1 vote

By double air frying and adding mayo, these air fryer karaage turn out so juicy and crispy that you won’t even miss the deep-fried version!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Marinade Time 1

Total Time 1 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Japanese

Calories: 459

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 to 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs 650-700g, 23-25 ounces
2 tablespoons sake
2.5 teaspoons mayonnaise
1.5 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Coating

¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch

Method

Marinate the Chicken: Cut 4 to 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces, ensuring the skin is evenly distributed on each piece. Place the chicken, 2 tablespoons sake, 2.5 teaspoons mayonnaise, 1.5 teaspoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons ginger paste, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a plastic bag. Knead the mixture well over the bag, then let it marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
Coat the Chicken: Add ¼ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ cup cornstarch to the plastic bag with the chicken. Knead it in well to ensure there is no dry flour left.
First Bake: Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding.
Second Bake: Flip the chicken again so the skin side is facing up. Increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy.

Notes

Marinate Properly: Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to season it from the inside and tenderize it.
Use the Right Cut: Skin-on chicken thighs make the juiciest and crispiest air fryer karaage.
Make Extra: You’ll want leftovers for karaage don!

Serving Suggestions

Karaage doesn’t have any veggies in it, so it’s a good idea to serve it with some veggie-packed sides and soup. Light salads like sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad) work great, or you can go with something creamy like Japanese potato salad. Miso soup or even corn soup makes a nice addition too. And don’t forget—karaage is awesome in bento boxes!

Storage Instructions

Store karaage in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in an air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
Keep marinated chicken in the fridge for 1-2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge before cooking, but note that longer marination makes it saltier.