Olivia Carter
Are you craving some crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken but don’t want to deal with the mess of deep frying? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make delicious Korean fried chicken using an air fryer. Not only is this method healthier, but it also eliminates the need for excessive oil and cleanup.
First, let’s talk about the key ingredient that gives Korean fried chicken its unique taste – gochujang. Gochujang is a spicy Korean fermented chili paste that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken. It’s readily available in most Asian grocery stores or online. Combined with other ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, it creates a mouthwatering marinade that will take your chicken to the next level.
Once you have your marinade ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. You can use either boneless chicken thighs or wings for this recipe. Both options will result in juicy and tender chicken with a crispy coating. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure the marinade sticks to the meat perfectly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Now it’s time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the air fryer model you’re using.
Preparing Ingredients for Korean Fried Chicken
When making Korean fried chicken in an air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients beforehand. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Make sure to have all the ingredients measured and ready to use before you start cooking. This will help make the cooking process go smoothly and prevent any last-minute scrambling for ingredients. It’s also a good idea to have all the necessary utensils and cooking equipment, such as tongs and a mixing bowl, readily available.
Gathering the necessary ingredients
Before you start making Korean fried chicken in your air fryer, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Chicken wings: You will need about 2 pounds of chicken wings for this recipe. You can use either whole wings or pre-cut wings.
2. Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to coat the chicken wings, giving them a crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer.
3. Salt and pepper: You will need salt and pepper to season the chicken wings before coating them with cornstarch.
4. Baking powder: Baking powder is used to help the chicken wings become extra crispy in the air fryer.
5. Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in the Korean fried chicken sauce, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
6. Garlic: You will need minced garlic to add a delicious garlic flavor to the sauce.
7. Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a subtle and aromatic flavor to the Korean fried chicken sauce.
8. Mirin: Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in many Korean dishes. It adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
9. Honey: Honey is used to balance the flavors in the sauce and add a touch of sweetness.
10. Gochujang: Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that gives the sauce its spicy and tangy kick.
11. Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used to lightly coat the chicken wings before cooking them in the air fryer.
12. Sesame seeds and green onions: These are optional toppings that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.
Note: Some of these ingredients may be available at your local grocery store, while others may require a trip to a specialty Asian market.
Marinating the Chicken for Korean Fried Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step when preparing Korean fried chicken. It helps to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it, resulting in juicy and delicious chicken.
Ingredients:
Before marinating the chicken, gather the following ingredients:
| 1 kg chicken wings or bone-in chicken pieces |
| 4 cloves garlic, minced |
| 1 tablespoon ginger, grated |
| 4 tablespoons soy sauce |
| 2 tablespoons rice wine or mirin |
| 1 tablespoon sesame oil |
| 1 tablespoon honey or sugar |
Instructions:
To marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and honey or sugar. Mix well to combine.
- Add the chicken wings or bone-in chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the chicken and marinade in a sealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
After marinating, the chicken is ready to be cooked in an air fryer to achieve that crispy texture and perfectly cooked meat. The marinated chicken can also be deep-fried, but air frying is a healthier alternative.
Now that the chicken is marinated, it’s time to move on to the next step of the recipe, which is air frying the chicken to perfection.
Creating the marinade
The key to achieving delicious Korean fried chicken is the marinade. It infuses the chicken with flavor and helps to create the crispy coating. Here is a simple recipe for the marinade:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To start, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Whisk them together until well blended. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Next, place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
During the marinating process, it’s a good idea to periodically turn the chicken pieces to ensure that they are evenly coated with the marinade. This will result in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s time to move on to the next step in the air frying process: coating the chicken and cooking it in the air fryer.
Cooking Korean Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine and love fried chicken, you’ll be delighted to know that you can make delicious Korean fried chicken right in your air fryer. This cooking method produces crispy and flavorful chicken without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. Here’s how you can make Korean fried chicken in the air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings or drumsticks
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 cup of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken wings or drumsticks with the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Now you can enjoy your homemade Korean fried chicken that tastes just as good as the one from your favorite Korean restaurant. Serve it with steamed rice and pickled radishes for a truly authentic Korean meal. The air fryer method ensures that your chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, giving you the perfect bite every time. Enjoy!
Coating the chicken in flour or cornstarch
Coating the chicken in flour or cornstarch is an essential step in making delicious Korean fried chicken. This coating helps to create a crispy and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
To coat the chicken, you will need a mixture of flour or cornstarch, salt, pepper, and other spices or seasonings of your choice. This coating not only adds flavor but also helps the chicken to develop a beautiful golden brown color when cooked.
Before coating the chicken, it is important to pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure that the coating adheres properly to the chicken and creates a crispy texture.
First, mix the flour or cornstarch with salt, pepper, and other seasonings in a shallow bowl or plate. You can add additional spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the flavor of the coating.
Next, take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to fully coat it on all sides. Gently press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
Once the chicken is coated, set it aside on a plate or wire rack and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the coating to adhere to the chicken and helps to create a crispier result.
If you prefer a thicker coating, you can repeat the dipping and coating process a second time. This will give your Korean fried chicken an extra layer of crunchiness.
Tips for coating the chicken:
- Make sure the chicken is completely dry before coating it to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Use a fork or tongs to handle the chicken during the coating process to keep your hands clean.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the chicken to ensure even air circulation and crispy results.
Coating the chicken in flour or cornstarch is a crucial step in making delicious Korean fried chicken. The crispy and flavorful coating adds a wonderful texture to the chicken and makes it irresistibly delicious.
Serving and Enjoying Korean Fried Chicken
After making your delicious Korean fried chicken in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy your creation. Here are some tips to make the most of your Korean fried chicken experience:
1. Serve hot: Korean fried chicken is best enjoyed when it’s hot and crispy. As soon as it’s done cooking in the air fryer, transfer it to a serving plate or basket to maintain its crunchiness.
2. Garnish: To add some extra flavor and texture, garnish your Korean fried chicken with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of chili powder. These toppings will enhance the visual appeal of the dish as well.
3. Dipping sauces: Korean fried chicken is traditionally served with different dipping sauces to complement its flavors. The most popular options are spicy gochujang sauce, soy garlic sauce, and sweet and sour sauce. You can either make these sauces from scratch or purchase ready-made ones from the store.
| Dipping Sauce | Description |
|---|---|
| Gochujang Sauce | A spicy and savory sauce made from fermented red chili paste, garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients. |
| Soy Garlic Sauce | A combination of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and other seasonings, resulting in a slightly sweet and garlicky flavor. |
| Sweet and Sour Sauce | A tangy and sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and fruit juice. It provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy fried chicken. |
4. Side dishes: Korean fried chicken is often served with various side dishes, known as banchan, to create a balanced meal. Popular options include kimchi, pickled radishes, steamed rice, and spicy cucumber salad. These accompaniments will add different flavors and textures to your dining experience.
5. Enjoy with friends: Korean fried chicken is best enjoyed in a social setting. Invite your friends or family over and share this tasty dish together. It’s a great way to bond over good food and create lasting memories.
Now that you know how to serve and enjoy Korean fried chicken, it’s time to indulge in this delicious and addictive dish. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What is Korean fried chicken?
Korean fried chicken, also known as KFC, is a popular fried chicken dish in South Korea. It is typically made with bone-in chicken that is double-fried to achieve a crispy texture, and then coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce.
How do I make Korean fried chicken in an air fryer?
Making Korean fried chicken in an air fryer is simple! First, coat the chicken with a mixture of flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the chicken is cooked, you can toss it in the sauce of your choice to add flavor.
Can I use boneless chicken for Korean fried chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for Korean fried chicken. Boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast tenders are great options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken may cook faster than bone-in chicken in the air fryer.
