Air-Fryer Tempura Chicken: A Healthy Frying Option?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, offering a healthier, quicker, and more convenient way to cook. You can use an air fryer to make tempura chicken, which is a Japanese dish made by coating chicken in a batter and frying it. The air fryer method is healthier because it uses less oil, and it's also faster and easier to clean up afterward.

How to make tempura chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into strips
• 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning blend (e.g. Lawry's)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup corn flakes, crushed
• Salt, to taste

Method

• Season the chicken by sprinkling with salt, then rubbing in half of the chicken seasoning, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.
• Make the tempura batter by combining the flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, and remaining seasonings in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the water and egg yolk. Stir until just moistened, then stir in the olive oil and beaten egg whites.
• Set out the chicken, batter, and crushed corn flakes in separate dishes. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, then roll in the corn flakes.
• Lightly oil a baking sheet and place the chicken pieces on it, rolling them to coat in oil. Alternatively, spritz each piece with oil.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. You may need to cook in batches.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and set the timer for 18 minutes. Air fry the chicken, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Don't over-mix the batter, as this will affect the texture.
• For an even lighter batter, use sparkling water instead of regular water.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the chicken from crisping up.
• For best results, serve the tempura chicken immediately.

The benefits of cooking with an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep fryers and ovens, offering a range of benefits for cooking enthusiasts.

Firstly, air fryers are healthier than deep fryers. They require little to no oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your food. This also means less mess and cleanup! The circulating hot air technology ensures your food is still crispy and golden brown, without the negative health impacts associated with fried food.

Secondly, air fryers are more time and energy-efficient than ovens. They have a shorter preheating time and can cook food faster, making them ideal for small batches of food. This also means you don't have to heat up a large oven, saving energy and keeping your kitchen cooler.

Thirdly, air fryers are versatile. They can cook a wide variety of foods, from chicken and vegetables to doughnuts and cookies. You can fry, bake, and even roast in an air fryer, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen.

Finally, air fryers are convenient and easy to use. They are simple to operate, with adjustable temperature controls and timers. The compact size means they can sit on your countertop, ready for whenever you need them.

So, if you're looking for a healthier, more efficient, and versatile way to cook your favourite foods, an air fryer could be a great choice!

How to make the tempura batter

Making tempura batter is simple, but there are some tricks to achieving the best results. The basic ingredients are flour, egg, and water. However, some recipes suggest adding extra ingredients to improve the texture and taste. For example, one recipe recommends using Japanese mayonnaise instead of egg, while another suggests adding baking soda for lightness, and tapioca flour for softness.

When making the batter, only add enough water to achieve a thick consistency. You can also use carbonated water or ice water for a lighter, crispier batter. Mix the ingredients with chopsticks, instead of a whisk, to minimise the amount of air in the batter and reduce the risk of overmixing.

Once you've made the batter, it's important to use it straight away. Freshly made tempura batter produces the best results.

How to season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is the first step in making chicken tempura. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as ginger and garlic paste or grated ginger and garlic. Cut the chicken into thin strips, or use chicken tenders as they are already cut to size for tempura.

Next, in a large bowl, add the chicken, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. If using ginger and garlic, add them to the bowl as well. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. You can use your hands to massage the seasonings into the chicken strips. Let the chicken marinate for a while, about 15 minutes.

After marinating, you can move on to the next step, which is making the tempura batter. The batter typically includes flour, cornstarch, egg, and cold sparkling or soda water. You can also add a little baking soda for extra crispiness. Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the egg and water, stirring until well combined.

Once your batter is ready, you can start dipping the chicken strips into the batter and frying them in hot oil or cooking them in an air fryer, following the instructions provided in the recipe.

By following these steps and seasoning the chicken properly, you will create delicious and flavorful chicken tempura that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store your tempura chicken leftovers, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days.

If you want to store your leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. First, let them cool down, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and put them in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to three months.

To reheat your tempura chicken leftovers, you can use an air fryer or an oven. Set the temperature to 350°F and heat for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also use a non-stick pan. Do not use a microwave, as this will make your tempura soggy.

Frequently asked questions