Chicken tempura is a delightful dish that brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen. With its crispy coating and juicy interior, it’s a favorite for many. This easy chicken tempura recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy this classic dish with a healthier twist using an air fryer.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find these tips and steps simple and rewarding. Let’s get started on making a delicious meal that will impress family and friends alike!
Steps
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Ensure the chicken is well-coated and let it marinate for a short while.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Create a well in the middle, add the egg and soda water, and stir gently until the batter is smooth.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil with a high smoke point into a deep pot and place it over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat up to the ideal frying temperature.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: Dip each piece of marinated chicken in the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess batter and carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Repeat the frying process until all the chicken is cooked.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and cook the battered chicken for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. For oven baking, preheat the oven to the same temperature and bake on a greased sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders or thinly sliced skinless chicken breasts/boneless chicken thighs
- Soy sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Canola or vegetable oil (for frying)
- All-purpose flour or cake flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Egg
- Soda water (or seltzer water)
- Cold water (to keep batter chilled)
FAQ
- What distinguishes chicken tempura from chicken katsu?
- Chicken katsu is prepared using panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating, while chicken tempura is made with a lighter flour-based batter for frying.
- Why might my tempura not turn out crispy?
- If the batter is left to sit too long before frying, gluten can form, resulting in a thick, non-crispy coating. To ensure crispiness, always prepare the batter right before frying.
- Is tempura a healthier option compared to traditional batter?
- While tempura is still deep-fried, it generally uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a slightly healthier choice.
- How should I store and reheat leftover tempura?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For reheating, use a non-stick pan, air fryer, or oven to retain crispiness; avoid microwaving as it may make the tempura soggy.
- What alternative cooking methods can be used for chicken tempura?
- Besides frying, you can cook chicken tempura in an air fryer or oven. Preheat the air fryer or oven to 200C/400F and follow specific instructions for cooking times and flipping to achieve a crispy texture.
Tips
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Mix the batter ingredients until just combined, even if there are a few clumps. This prevents excessive gluten formation, which can make the tempura less crispy.
- Use Cold Ingredients for the Batter: Incorporate soda water and cold water to keep the batter cold, as this helps achieve a light and crispy texture.
- Maintain Proper Oil Temperature: Heat the oil to 180°C (350°F) to ensure the chicken remains juicy while the outside crisps up perfectly. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Prepare the Batter Just Before Frying: Make the batter fresh and use it immediately to prevent it from becoming thick and gluggy, which can affect the crispiness of the tempura.
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Deep Pot – Essential for frying the tempura.
- Instant Read Thermometer – To ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
- Air Fryer – Optional, for those preferring an alternative cooking method.
- Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper – If using the oven method, a baking sheet is necessary.
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the batter and seasoning the chicken.
