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Air Fryer Frozen Tempura Chicken

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: November 9, 2020

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This is such a quick dinner from Trader Joe’s. It is one of my favorite frozen items they currently sell. You can throw together a simple dinner or lunch: Air Fryer Frozen Tempura Chicken!

I usually serve this over rice, and it’s the perfect quick meal, so the next time you are at Trader Joe’s, pick up a bag or two.

Air Fry Tempura Chicken

Air Fryer Tempura Chicken is a fantastic twist on the traditional Japanese favorite, offering a healthier alternative to the deep-fried classic. Using an air fryer can achieve that desirable crispy texture without the excess oil typically associated with deep frying. This method reduces the calorie count and makes for a cleaner and simpler cooking process. The key to perfect Air Fryer Tempura Chicken lies in the batter – a light, airy coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer’s circulating heat, encasing the chicken in a delicious, crunchy shell while keeping it juicy and tender.

This dish is not just about a guilt-free indulgence; it’s also about versatility and ease. You can season the tempura batter with various herbs and spices to suit your taste, making it a customizable dish that never gets boring.

Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, a healthy snack, or a unique appetizer for guests, Air Fryer Tempura Chicken fits the bill. It cooks faster than traditional frying methods, and the cleanup is a breeze – no dealing with splattered oil or heavy skillets. Just a light oil brush on the air fryer basket, and you’re good to go. Serve it with a side of light soy or sweet chili sauce, and enjoy a delightful, comforting, and satisfying meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’re going to love this recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Tempura for a multitude of reasons:

Healthier Option: Air frying frozen tempura significantly reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional deep frying. This means you can enjoy your favorite tempura with far fewer calories and less fat, making it a healthier choice.
Convenience and Speed: Utilizing an air fryer for frozen tempura is incredibly convenient. There’s no need for thawing; you can cook the tempura straight from the freezer, saving time and effort. Plus, the air fryer heats up quickly, so your meal is ready in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer excels at producing a crispy exterior, essential for good tempura. Like traditional frying, you’ll get that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Ease of Use: Air fryers are generally straightforward and user-friendly. Place the frozen tempura in the basket, set the temperature and timer, and let the air fryer do its magic.
Less Mess: Unlike deep frying, air frying doesn’t splatter oil all over your kitchen, making for an easier clean-up process. Plus, most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup.
Versatility: While perfect for tempura, your air fryer can be used for many other dishes, making it a versatile addition to kitchen appliances.
Perfect for Small Servings: If you’re cooking for one or two, the air fryer is ideal for making small servings without heating a large oven or using a lot of oil for frying.

This Air Fryer Frozen Tempura recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, proving that convenience and taste can go together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe will impress!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Frozen Tempura Chicken

Embark on a culinary adventure with minimal fuss using these key ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Tempura. This simple yet essential list ensures you can enjoy delicious and crispy tempura at home, combining convenience with classic flavors.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Frozen Tempura: Choose your favorite frozen tempura, shrimp, vegetables, or a mixed assortment. These come pre-battered and ready to cook, offering a hassle-free tempura experience.
Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil on the air fryer basket prevents sticking and helps achieve that desirable crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with a traditional tempura dipping sauce, soy sauce, or a sweet chili sauce for an extra flavor kick. These sauces complement the tempura’s crispiness with a delicious blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Lemon Wedges (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a bright, zesty flavor to the tempura, enhancing its taste with a refreshing twist.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of color and subtle flavor, elevating the dish’s presentation.

Each ingredient contributes to making your Air Fryer Frozen Tempura not just a meal, but an experience in enjoying a beloved Japanese delicacy with the utmost ease and convenience.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Tempura Chicken

Making frozen tempura in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that results in deliciously crispy tempura without the mess and calories of deep frying. Here’s how you can do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Depending on your air fryer model, preheat it to around 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps in cooking the tempura evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
Prepare the Tempura: While the air fryer is preheating, remove the frozen tempura from the packaging. There’s no need to thaw it; you can cook it directly from frozen.
Grease the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This step is optional but helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
Arrange the Tempura: Place the frozen tempura in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the hot air can circulate freely around each piece, which is key for crispiness.
Cooking Time: Cook the tempura for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary based on the air fryer model and the size of the tempura pieces. You’re aiming for a golden brown and crispy exterior.
Check for Doneness: At the end of cooking, check to see if the tempura is thoroughly heated and crispy. If not, you can add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Serve Hot: Once cooked, remove the tempura from the air fryer. Serve immediately with tempura dipping sauce and lemon wedges for added flavor.

Pro Tips For Cooking Tempura Chicken In Air Fryer

Cooking Tempura Chicken in an air fryer can be a delightful experience. Here are some pro tips to ensure you get the best results:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer helps achieve a more consistent cooking temperature, leading to evenly cooked tempura chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the tempura chicken pieces in a single layer with some space between each piece. This allows for better air circulation, ensuring each piece gets evenly crispy.
Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, gently flip the tempura chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process.
Use Cooking Spray Sparingly: If your tempura chicken isn’t pre-oiled, a light spritz of cooking spray can help achieve a more even golden brown color. However, use it sparingly to avoid soggy batter.
Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tempura chicken pieces. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended time and adjust as needed.
Check for Doneness: Tempura chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Serve Immediately: Tempura chicken is best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight out of the air fryer. Leaving it to sit for too long can make the batter lose its crispiness.
Rest on a Wire Rack: If you need to batch cook, let the cooked pieces rest on a wire rack instead of a paper towel to keep them crispy.
Avoid Thick Batters: If making your own tempura batter, keep it light and thin. Thick batters can become doughy or fail to crisp up properly in an air fryer.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in your batter or as a sprinkle before serving to add more flavor to your tempura chicken.

These tips will help you master cooking tempura chicken in an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, healthier version of this classic dish with less oil and fuss.

Faq’s Air Fryer Frozen Tempura Chicken

Can I cook frozen tempura chicken directly in the air fryer without thawing? Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to cook frozen tempura chicken directly from the freezer to maintain the best texture. Thawing is not necessary and can actually affect the crispiness.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for cooking frozen tempura chicken? A general guideline is to set your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature is typically effective for achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.

How long does it take to cook frozen tempura chicken in an air fryer? It usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but this can vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the tempura chicken pieces. It’s advisable to check halfway through and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Do I need to flip the tempura chicken halfway through cooking? Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process helps ensure it cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.

Can I use any type of frozen tempura chicken, or are there specific kinds best suited for the air fryer? Most types of frozen tempura chicken can be cooked in an air fryer. However, pieces that are similarly sized will cook more evenly. Extremely large or thick pieces might require a longer cooking time.

Is it necessary to use oil or cooking spray? While not always necessary, a light spray of cooking oil can help achieve a more evenly golden and crispy exterior. But be cautious with the amount to avoid making the batter soggy.

Can I cook other frozen foods along with the tempura chicken in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook other compatible frozen foods alongside the tempura chicken, provided there is enough space for adequate air circulation. Just make sure that the cooking times and temperatures are similar.

How do I know when the tempura chicken is fully cooked? The tempura chicken is done when it has a golden-brown, crispy exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer can help ensure it’s cooked safely and thoroughly.

What are some good dipping sauces for air fryer tempura chicken? Tempura chicken pairs well with a variety of sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki, or even a simple mixture of mayo and sriracha for a creamy kick.

How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness. They’re best eaten within a day or two for optimal texture.

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