Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer: Crispy, Delicious Recipe You’ll Love

Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce – all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Forget the greasy takeout and hours spent slaving over a hot stove; this recipe brings the authentic taste of Korean fried chicken right to your kitchen with minimal fuss.

Korean fried chicken, or “yangnyeom chicken,” has a fascinating history, evolving from simple fried chicken introduced during the Korean War to a culinary phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. The unique sauce, a blend of gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, soy sauce, and other secret ingredients, is what truly sets it apart. It’s a testament to Korean ingenuity, transforming a familiar dish into something truly extraordinary.

People adore Korean fried chicken for its incredible contrast of textures – the satisfying crunch of the perfectly fried exterior giving way to tender, succulent meat. The complex flavor profile is equally captivating, offering a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and umami notes that keep you coming back for more. And now, with the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy this beloved dish with significantly less oil and in a fraction of the time. This Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about bringing joy and deliciousness to your table with every single bite. So, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup ice water
• Cooking spray (high heat)
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), optional for extra heat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon water
• For Garnish (optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started with prepping our chicken! This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crispy texture we’re after.

1. Cut the Chicken: First, take your chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized, roughly 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked while others are still raw!
2. Prepare the Dry Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The cornstarch is key here – it’s what helps create that extra-crispy coating. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the Wet Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and ice water. The ice water helps to keep the gluten development in the flour to a minimum, resulting in a lighter and crispier coating.
4. Coat the Chicken: Now, this is where things get a little messy, but it’s totally worth it! Take a few pieces of chicken at a time and dredge them in the dry coating, making sure they’re completely covered. Then, dip them into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dredge them again in the dry coating, ensuring a thick and even layer. This double coating is the secret to that amazing crunch!
5. Rest the Chicken (Important!): Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken and prevents it from falling off during air frying. Trust me, don’t skip this step! It makes a huge difference.

Air Frying the Chicken

Now for the fun part – air frying! This is where the magic happens. We’re going to get that chicken perfectly crispy without all the oil of traditional deep frying.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Preheating is essential for even cooking and crispy results.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with high-heat cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of frying it, and we definitely don’t want that! You’ll likely need to cook the chicken in batches.
4. Air Fry: Air fry for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken pieces and spray them lightly with more cooking spray. Continue air frying for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
5. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, making sure to preheat the air fryer basket between batches if necessary.

Making the Korean Sauce

While the chicken is air frying, let’s whip up that delicious Korean sauce! This sauce is what truly makes this dish special – it’s sweet, spicy, and savory all at the same time.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochugaru (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, and water.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Be careful not to burn the sauce. You want it to be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey or brown sugar. If you want it spicier, add more gochugaru. If you want it more savory, add a splash more soy sauce.

Assembling the Korean Fried Chicken

Alright, the chicken is crispy, the sauce is ready – it’s time to bring it all together!

1. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, immediately transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Korean sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is nicely coated in that flavorful sauce!
2. Garnish (Optional): Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes add a nice visual appeal and a little extra flavor.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the Korean fried chicken immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for the Best Korean Fried Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding will result in steamed, not crispy, chicken. Cook in batches.
• Use High-Heat Cooking Spray: This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket and help it crisp up nicely.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize the sauce to your liking. Add more or less gochujang, honey, or gochugaru to achieve your perfect flavor profile.
• Rest the Chicken After Coating: Letting the coated chicken rest for 15-20 minutes allows the coating to adhere better and prevents it from falling off during air frying.
• Double Fry (Optional for Extra Crispiness): For even *more* crispy chicken, you can air fry the chicken once, let it cool slightly, and then air fry it again for a few minutes. This is totally optional, but it does take the crispiness to the next level!

Variations

• Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru to control the spiciness. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to control the sweetness.
• Garlic and Ginger: Feel free to add more garlic and ginger to the sauce for a bolder flavor.
• Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of steamed broccoli, kimchi, or pickled radishes for a complete meal.

Enjoy your homemade Korean Fried Chicken! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve read this far because you’re craving some seriously delicious Korean fried chicken. And I’m here to tell you, you absolutely *need* to make this Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer recipe. Forget ordering takeout; this is fresher, tastier, and you get to control exactly what goes into it. Plus, the air fryer makes it surprisingly easy and healthy-ish (we’re still talking fried chicken, after all!).

Why is this a must-try? First, the flavor is just incredible. That sweet, savory, and slightly spicy gochujang sauce is addictive. The chicken comes out unbelievably crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to the air fryer magic. And honestly, the whole process is just plain fun. There’s something so satisfying about creating restaurant-quality food in your own kitchen.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. Want a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of gochujang. You can even experiment with different cuts of chicken – wings, drumsticks, or even boneless, skinless thighs all work beautifully.

And the serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this Korean fried chicken with a side of steamed rice and some quick-pickled cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. But it’s also fantastic in lettuce wraps with a dollop of sriracha mayo, or even as a topping for a Korean-inspired salad. Imagine crispy chicken pieces over a bed of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing – yum!

For a complete Korean feast, consider adding some kimchi pancakes (kimchijeon) or a bowl of spicy ramen. If you’re having a party, this Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Just double or triple the recipe as needed, and watch it disappear!

Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and the gochujang can be found at most Asian grocery stores or even online. Once you have everything on hand, the process is surprisingly straightforward.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and fun. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And please, please, please share your creations with me! Tag me in your photos on social media, or leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out. I want to hear all about your variations, your serving suggestions, and your overall experience. Did you add any extra spices? Did you serve it with a unique side dish? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration.

Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Now go forth and conquer that craving for amazing Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer goodness!

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