Crispy Air Fryer Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m not usually a huge fan of traditional fried chicken (it’s such an oily mess!), but karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is one of my favorite things to eat when we get Asian takeout. They are so incredibly crunchy, juicy, and flavorful, and so easy to make at home.

Pronounced “kah-rah-ah-geh,” karaage refers to the cooking technique of breading and frying various foods – most often chicken, although it can be other meat, fish, or even veggies. It’s like a Japanese version of popcorn chicken, but karaage is marinated in soy and sake to tenderize and flavor the meat.

The traditional method deep fries the breaded chicken pieces in hot oil, but you can get the same ultra crunchy results with the air fryer version. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and authenticity. The air fryer makes this traditionally indulgent dish accessible for a quick weeknight dinner, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free when you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• Boneless chicken thighs – The higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and tender; you can use chicken breasts, but I do recommend thighs for the most tender texture and flavor.
• Potato starch – I recommend potato starch for that amazing crunch. However, arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch can also be used in a pinch.
• Sea salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Cooking spray – To help achieve that golden brown exterior in the air fryer.

For the Marinade

• Soy sauce or tamari sauce – This provides the umami foundation; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Cooking sake or rice wine vinegar – Adds complexity and helps tenderize the meat.
• Toasted sesame oil – Just a touch adds nutty warmth to the marinade.
• Grated ginger – Freshly grated ginger provides a warm, spicy note that’s essential for authentic flavor.
• Garlic cloves – Minced garlic adds aromatic depth; fresh is always best.

For Serving

• Lemon wedges – The fresh acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Kewpie mayo or Japanese mayo – You can dip karaage in anything you want, but my favorite and the most classic one is Kewpie or Japanese mayo. Sometimes I add a bit of sriracha to it for a bit of a spicy kick.w

Check out the full recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and a printable version. 

How to Make This Air Fryer Karaage Recipe

Step 1: Combine all marinade ingredients in a resealable bag. Cut 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Seal the bag and marinate for 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge.

Step 2: When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. In a wide shallow bowl, stir together 1 cup potato starch and 1/2 tsp sea salt.

Step 3: Transfer the marinated chicken pieces to the potato starch mixture and dredge until evenly coated so the chicken doesn’t show through.

Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket or tray evenly with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken in a single layer, then spray the top with cooking spray. Air fry for 12-14 minutes until crisp and crunchy, flipping and spraying again halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, classic chicken karaage is served with a simple side of shredded cabbage to cleanse the palate between bites of the flavorful chicken. For a complete meal, consider these pairings:

• Steamed Japanese short-grain rice and miso soup create a simple but satisfying combination that lets the karaage shine as the star.
• For a lunch box (bento) style meal, serve with cucumber sunomono (or this cucumber salad) and tamago (Japanese omelette) for balanced flavors and textures.
• Transform your karaage into a sandwich by serving it on a soft bun with Japanese mayo and shredded cabbage for a twist on a chicken sandwich.
• For a party appetizer, serve with lemon wedges and various dipping sauces like spicy mayo (mix Japanese mayonnaise with sriracha), ponzu sauce, or even a honey-mustard blend.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This classic dish is best eaten right away for maximum crispiness, but leftover chicken karaage can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, air fry for 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees F until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, which will make the coating soggy.

Meal prep tip: You can prepare the marinade ingredients up to a day ahead and keep the chicken refrigerated until ready to coat and cook, making this perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Karaage: For those who enjoy some heat, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil to the marinade or stir some sriracha into your Kewpie mayo for a spicy dipping sauce.
• Citrus Karaage: Want to brighten things up? Include the zest of one lemon or orange in your marinade for a vibrant, aromatic twist that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Curry Karaage: When I’m craving something different, I mix 1 tablespoon of Japanese curry powder into the potato starch coating for warm, earthy flavors that complement the chicken beautifully.
• Nori Karaage: Crush a sheet of nori (seaweed) into fine flakes and mix it with the starch coating for an oceanic umami boost.
• Honey Garlic Karaage: Toss the freshly air-fried karaage in a sauce made from 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon tamari, and 1 minced garlic clove for a sweet-savory finish.

More Asian Inspired Recipes

• Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken – If you love this karaage, you’ll definitely want to try my Korean version featuring a sticky, spicy gochujang glaze that creates the perfect balance of sweet and heat. The best part is how quickly it comes together using the same air fryer method!
• Paleo Orange Chicken – Craving something with a similar crispy texture but different flavor profile? My healthier take on this Chinese-American classic delivers bright citrus flavors without refined sugars or gluten.
• Air Fryer Tonkatsu – If you enjoy crispy Japanese classics, try this pork version featuring a golden panko crust and juicy interior. Made with the same air fryer technique but with different flavor notes, it’s delicious when served with shredded cabbage and homemade tonkatsu sauce.
• Asian Chicken Meatballs – Tender, juicy meatballs infused with ginger, garlic, and green onions, perfect as an appetizer or main course with cauliflower rice.