Air Fryer Chicken Tempura is a delicious and healthier take on traditional tempura. This recipe combines tender chicken strips, a crispy coating, and quick cooking in an air fryer. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party snack, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Air Fryer Chicken Tempura because it is easy, quick, and healthier than deep-fried options. The air fryer uses less oil while still giving you that crispy texture we all love. It’s perfect for those looking for a tasty meal without the guilt of too much grease. Plus, you can customize the seasonings to match your taste!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tempura
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut lengthwise into strips)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning blend (I use Lawry’s), divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons tapioca flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg white (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup corn flakes (crushed)
Directions
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt. Rub half of the chicken seasoning, half of the garlic powder, and half of the Cajun seasoning into the chicken strips. Massage the spices in with your hands.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, and the remaining half of each seasoning.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Beat the water and egg yolk together, then pour this into the well. Mix just until moistened, then stir in the beaten egg whites and olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, place the crushed corn flakes.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the batter to coat well, then roll in the crushed corn flakes.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet and arrange the chicken pieces on it. Roll each piece on the baking sheet to lightly coat with oil or spritz each chicken piece lightly with oil from a non-aerosol container.
- Place the chicken in your air fryer basket, keeping space between each piece. If needed, cook in batches to avoid crowding the basket, which can result in soggy chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and set the baking time to 18 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to help the chicken cook evenly.
- Once done, place the chicken strips on a serving dish and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tempura
Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tempura hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or ranch. Add a fresh salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Tempura
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in your air fryer for just a few minutes to bring back its crispy texture.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tempura
- Make sure the chicken strips are of even thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the oil coating; it helps achieve that crispy texture we all love.
- Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or by adding spices such as paprika or onion powder to the batter for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour and corn flakes to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?
Cooking time can vary based on the size of the chicken pieces but usually ranges from 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F.
Enjoy making your Air Fryer Chicken Tempura, a delightful dish that’s sure to please!
Air Fryer Chicken Tempura
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut lengthwise into strips)
- to taste Salt
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning blend (divided) I use Lawry’s
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
Batter Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons tapioca flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg white (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Coating
- 1 cup corn flakes (crushed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt. Rub half of the chicken seasoning, half of the garlic powder, and half of the Cajun seasoning into the chicken strips. Massage the spices in with your hands.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, and the remaining half of each seasoning.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Beat the water and egg yolk together, then pour this into the well. Mix just until moistened, then stir in the beaten egg whites and olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, place the crushed corn flakes.
Cooking
- Dip each piece of chicken into the batter to coat well, then roll in the crushed corn flakes.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet and arrange the chicken pieces on it. Roll each piece on the baking sheet to lightly coat with oil or spritz each chicken piece lightly with oil from a non-aerosol container.
- Place the chicken in your air fryer basket, keeping space between each piece. If needed, cook in batches to avoid crowding the basket, which can result in soggy chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and set the baking time to 18 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to help the chicken cook evenly.
- Once done, place the chicken strips on a serving dish and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
