Korean Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
If you're looking for perfectly crispy Korean fried chicken in the air fryer, you've come to the right place! This easy Korean fried chicken recipe delivers crunchy, flavorful chicken with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. No deep frying is required—your air fryer does all the work while keeping things healthier!
History of Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken, or "chikin", has a fascinating history. It became popular in South Korea during the 1970s when American fast-food culture influenced local cuisine. However, unlike American fried chicken, Korean-style chicken is double-fried, creating an ultra-crispy texture. The addition of a flavorful gochujang-based sauce made it a global sensation.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers allow you to achieve crispy fried chicken without excessive oil, making it a healthier yet just as delicious alternative. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, resulting in golden, crunchy perfection!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken wings or drumettes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp oil (for coating)
For the Korean Sauce:
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
How to Make Perfectly Crispy Korean Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Lightly coat the chicken with oil to help crisp it up in the air fryer.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Arrange chicken in a single layer, ensuring pieces aren’t overcrowded.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for another 5 minutes to enhance crispiness.
Step 3: Make the Korean Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and ketchup.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Transfer the crispy air-fried chicken to a bowl.
- Pour the Korean sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your crispy Korean fried chicken with:
- Steamed white rice
- Pickled radish
- Kimchi
- A side of coleslaw for a fresh crunch
Tips for the Best Korean Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Pat the chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
- Double-fry technique in the air fryer (lower heat first, then high heat) mimics traditional deep frying.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This perfectly crispy Korean fried chicken in the air fryer is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and crunch without the extra oil. With a sweet, spicy, and sticky glaze, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a healthier twist on Korean fried chicken!
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breast pieces work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your gochujang is gluten-free.
3. What if I don’t have gochujang?
Substitute with sriracha mixed with a little miso paste or extra soy sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
4. Why isn’t my chicken crispy?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry, coat it evenly, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
5. Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
