Low Fat Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Craving the irresistible crunch of Japanese karaage but looking for a healthier twist? This Low Fat Karaage recipe delivers all the bold, savory flavors of traditional Japanese fried chicken with a fraction of the oil. Tender, bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil, then coated in a light cornstarch and flour mixture for the ultimate crisp. Cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer, this guilt-free version is low-fat yet incredibly juicy and satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve your karaage hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors—it's a healthier take on a beloved Japanese classic!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 as needed non-stick spray or oil spray
- 1 for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1.5-inch cubes.
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, minced garlic, and toasted sesame oil to create the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, mixing well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour for better flavor absorption.
In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture. Place coated chicken on a wire rack to slightly dry for about 5 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with the non-stick spray to aid in crisping.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken just before eating. Enjoy your low-fat karaage!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1347 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.2 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 625 mg | 208% | |
| Sodium | 2292 mg | 100% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.3 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 136.3 g | 273% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1422 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
