Easy Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll with Avocado & Cucumber

Did You Know 72% of Sushi Lovers Have Never Tried a Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll?

When we think of sushi, delicate slices of raw fish often come to mind. But here’s a little secret the sushi world doesn’t always shout about: some of the most satisfying rolls feature cooked proteins, and this Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll with Avocado & Cucumber might just become your new obsession. It’s the perfect harmony of crunch and creaminess, warmth and freshness – a revelation for anyone who thinks sushi must always mean cold fish.

I still remember my first bite of a tempura-style sushi roll during a rainy afternoon in Tokyo. The way the golden, crispy exterior gave way to tender chicken and cool, buttery avocado made me question every sushi “rule” I’d ever heard. Now, after years of perfecting the technique, I’m thrilled to share this recipe that brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Why This Roll Will Change Your Sushi Game

What makes this Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll so special? Let me count the ways:

• The contrast of textures – shatteringly crisp tempura against velvety avocado
• The clever use of everyday chicken transformed into something extraordinary
• The refreshing crunch of cucumber that cuts through the richness
• The way the warm tempura makes the nori seaweed pliable and fragrant

Unlike traditional sushi that demands the freshest raw fish, this version is wonderfully approachable while still delivering that wow factor. It’s perfect for dinner parties (imagine your guests’ faces when you bring out a platter of these golden beauties) or for treating yourself to something special on a weeknight.

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Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll with Avocado & Cucumber

There’s something magical about the contrast of textures in a well-made tempura roll—crispy, creamy, and refreshing all in one bite. This Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll with Avocado & Cucumber is my latest obsession, and once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become yours too. The golden crunch of the tempura chicken paired with cool, buttery avocado and crisp cucumber is simply irresistible. Let’s gather our ingredients and roll up something delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup sushi rice – The foundation of any great roll. Look for short-grain rice for that perfect sticky texture.
• 1 ¼ cups water – Just enough to cook the rice to tender perfection.
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp salt – This sweet-tangy mix is what gives sushi rice its signature flavor.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Thighs stay juicier than breasts when fried, but you can use either.
• ½ cup tempura batter mix – A shortcut that makes life easier—just add ice-cold water!
• 1 small avocado – Ripe but firm, so it slices beautifully without turning mushy.
• ½ English cucumber – Seeds removed and cut into matchsticks for that refreshing crunch.
• 2 sheets nori (seaweed) – The classic wrapper that holds everything together.
• Vegetable oil for frying – A neutral oil with a high smoke point works best.
• Soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi – For serving, because what’s sushi without the trio?

Now, let’s talk about the fun part—bringing it all together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Let it sit (lid on!) for another 10 minutes off the heat. Gently fold in the vinegar, sugar, and salt mixture while fanning the rice to cool it—this step gives it that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.

2. Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips, about ½-inch thick. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (a breadcrumb should sizzle when dropped in). Whisk the tempura batter with ice-cold water until just combined—lumps are okay! Dip the chicken, let excess batter drip off, and fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on a wire rack to keep them crunchy.

3. Slice the Veggies: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice thinly. For the cucumber, halve it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and julienne into thin sticks. Pro tip: If your avocado isn’t quite ripe, a 10-second microwave burst can help soften it slightly.

4. Assemble the Rolls: Lay a nori sheet shiny-side down on a bamboo mat. With damp hands, spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Place chicken tempura, avocado slices, and cucumber sticks horizontally in the center. Now, the rolling magic begins—lift the edge of the mat closest to you, tuck the fillings in tightly, and roll away from you, applying gentle pressure as you go.

At this point, your kitchen should smell like a dreamy fusion of crispy chicken and fresh veggies. But we’re not done yet—stay tuned for the final steps to slice, serve, and savor your masterpiece!

Conclusion

There you have it—a deliciously crispy Chicken Tempura Roll with creamy avocado and refreshing cucumber, all wrapped up in a bite-sized sushi delight. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little crunch in their sushi, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this roll is sure to impress.

Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you add a personal twist? We’d love to hear about it! And if you’re craving more sushi inspiration, check out our other sushi recipes for more tasty ideas.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chicken, shrimp or tofu make great alternatives. Just ensure they’re properly cooked or prepared before rolling.

How do I keep the tempura crispy?

The key is to fry the chicken tempura just before assembling the rolls. If it sits too long, it may lose its crunch. You can also pat the tempura dry with a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Can I make this roll ahead of time?

Sushi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, store the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving. Avoid refrigerating the tempura, as it can become soggy.

What dipping sauce pairs well with this roll?

A classic soy sauce with a touch of wasabi or a creamy spicy mayo complements this roll beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite sauces!

Is there a gluten-free alternative for tempura batter?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour for the tempura batter. Just ensure your other ingredients, like soy sauce, are also gluten-free if needed.