Whole30 Karaage Chicken is a healthier twist on the beloved Japanese dish, crafted to meet Whole30 guidelines while still serving up bold, authentic flavors. Tender, bite-sized chicken thighs are marinated in a umami-packed blend of coconut aminos, fresh ginger, garlic, and apple cider vinegar, then coated in a light arrowroot powder crust for a crisp finish. Air-fried to golden perfection without the excess oil, this recipe ensures a guilt-free indulgence while staying gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Garnished with vibrant green onions and a squeeze of lemon for zesty flair, this dish is a quick and easy meal thatβs ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect as a nourishing main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, it pairs beautifully with fresh veggies or a side salad for a complete Whole30-approved feast.
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 2 inches in size.
In a medium bowl, combine coconut aminos, grated ginger, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
After marinating, remove the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
In a shallow bowl, combine arrowroot powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the arrowroot mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400Β°F (200Β°C). While the air fryer is heating, brush or spray a light layer of coconut oil over the chicken pieces.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the pieces, and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Enjoy your Whole30 Karaage Chicken warm, accompanied by a side salad or vegetable of choice.
Calories |
1596 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.0 g | 106% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.1 g | 190% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 625 mg | 208% | |
| Sodium | 3852 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.5 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.7 g | ||
| Protein | 131.1 g | 262% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 118 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1303 mg | 28% | |
*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.