Growing up in the heart of Chicago, my kitchen was always the epicenter of family gatherings, filled with the aroma of my babcia’s pierogi and my mom’s famous apple cake. But as much as I cherish those Polish roots, my culinary adventures have taken me far and wide, leading to some delightful discoveries. One such gem is the air fryer Korean chicken, a dish that combines the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken with the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine. It’s a family favorite that I’ve modernized for our busy lives, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
My husband, who has a penchant for anything spicy, and my kids, Ella and Peter, who love anything that involves chicken, have given this recipe their enthusiastic stamp of approval. It’s become a staple at our dinner table, especially on those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable. The air fryer Korean chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a little bit of that Chicago warmth and a lot of Korean zest to our home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer Korean chicken is everything you want in a meal: crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you perfectly cooked chicken without the need for excessive oil. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) creates a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, coating the chicken in a glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is foolproof and adaptable. It’s gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, and you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavor and nutrition
- Perfect for any occasion
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Budget-friendly ingredients
Expert Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece of chicken. If you’re cooking a large batch, do it in batches for best results. Additionally, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang to suit your taste.
Cooking Tools
When I make this recipe, my go-to tool is the MOSFiATA 8″ Professional Chef’s Knife for chopping garlic and ginger with ease. For ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked, the MEATER SE Smart Meat Thermometer is invaluable. It takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring juicy, tender chicken every time.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the marinade. If you’re looking for a tangy twist, a splash of lime juice works wonders. For those who love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra gochujang will do the trick.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer Korean chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh side salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside kimchi or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. A cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine complements the spicy flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of wings?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope this air fryer Korean chicken brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends, and it’s so simple to make that you’ll find yourself returning to it time and time again. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe!
👉 I hope you loved making this air fryer Korean chicken—it’s like a spicy hug from my kitchen to yours! If you’re looking for more delicious inspirations, why not try my Spicy Garlic Noodles, Teriyaki Salmon, or Kimchi Fried Rice? Join us on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group—and don’t forget to follow on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
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Air Fryer Korean Chicken: 7 Crispy Recipes You’ll Love
A crispy, flavorful Korean chicken dish made easy with an air fryer.
Keep the screen of your device on while you follow the steps.
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.