Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken Recipe
Crispy and spicy Korean fried chicken made effortlessly in your air fryer for a deliciously savory treat.
Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that's crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and enveloped in a sticky, spicy, and sweet glaze. This air fryer Korean fried chicken delivers just that, offering the incredible taste and texture you love from Korean street food without the hassle of deep-frying. It’s an explosion of flavors and a true treat for your taste buds. Korean fried chicken, also known as 'yangnyeom chicken', has become a global favorite over recent years, capturing hearts with its unforgettable punch of flavor and unmatched crispiness. I first encountered this dish at a lively night market, the aroma alone made my mouth water. Now, I can recreate those flavors at home, and the secret lies in the air fryer and a little trick with cornstarch. The magic of this recipe is the cornstarch coating that ensures each piece of chicken emerges golden and crunchy from the air fryer. Paired with a finger-licking sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and honey, it's the perfect harmony of sweet and heat. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, sure to impress and satisfy. Serve it alongside pickled radishes or cold beer for the full experience.
Step-by-Step
- 01Step 1 / 6
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
While it heats, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- 02Step 2 / 6
In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each chicken wing in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
- 03Step 3 / 6
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- 04Step 4 / 6
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by combining gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir for about 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Advertisement
- 05Step 5 / 6
Once the chicken is done, carefully toss the wings in the saucepan with the spicy sauce until fully coated.
- 06Step 6 / 6
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions if desired, for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Chef Tips
- •Ensure chicken wings are completely dry before coating to maximize crispiness.
- •Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
- •Adjust the gochujang quantity for your preferred spice level.
- •If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- •Serve with pickled radishes for a classic Korean accompaniment.
Nutrition (per serving)
Estimates only. Actual values depend on brands and portions.
Frequently Asked
Can I make this ahead?+
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead and reheat it in the air fryer to crisp up before adding the sauce.
What can I substitute?+
You can use chicken drumsticks or thighs instead of wings, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?+
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
