Satisfy your cravings and make these easy Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer! Enjoy crispy perfection without the mess of deep frying. I can’t believe how good this Korean fried chicken was made in the air fryer. It is almost genius! Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner at home, this dish brings a delightful crunch and flavor that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures your chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy without the excess oil.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and the Korean style sauce adds a unique and delicious taste to the chicken.
- Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the calories compared to traditional frying methods.
- Versatile Dish: These chicken tenders can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a salad!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this tasty dish, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Air Fryer: This is the star of the show! It cooks the chicken evenly while keeping it crispy on the outside.
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients easily.
- Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and mixing sauces smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 8 pieces chicken tenders
- 1 cup of crushed corn flakes
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of pepper
For the Korean Style Sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks of green onion (whites and greens separated)
- 2 tbsp of gochujang
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Start by seasoning your chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs. Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture before coating it with the corn flake mixture. Ensure each piece is fully covered.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a little avocado oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make Korean Style Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and white parts of green onions; sauté until fragrant. Then mix in gochujang, honey, ketchup, mirin, and sesame oil until combined.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, toss your crispy chicken tenders in the sauce until well coated. Garnish with green onion tops and toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your delicious Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer!
How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
Korean Fried Chicken made in the air fryer is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Crisp Cucumber Sticks – Fresh cucumber sticks add a refreshing crunch that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Shredded Napa Cabbage – A light slaw with napa cabbage pairs well, providing a balance to the crispy chicken.
As a Main Dish
- Over Steamed Rice – Serve your Korean fried chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a satisfying and hearty meal.
- In a Wrap – Use lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken for a fun and interactive dining experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Soy Sauce Mixture – A simple soy sauce mixed with vinegar enhances the savory elements of the chicken.
- Spicy Mayo – Combine mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy dipping sauce that adds heat.
As an Appetizer
- Small Bites – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them as finger food at gatherings, perfect for sharing!
How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
To achieve crispy, golden-brown perfection, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Corn Flakes Coating – The crushed corn flakes provide an ultra-crispy texture that resembles traditional frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – For even cooking, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overlapping.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer – A preheated air fryer helps ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Spray with Oil – Lightly spray or brush your chicken with avocado oil before cooking for added crispness.
Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
Pairing your Korean fried chicken with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some top choices:
- Kimchi – This fermented vegetable side offers tanginess and spice that cuts through the richness of fried chicken.
- Pickled Radishes – Sweet and sour pickled radishes provide a crunchy contrast that refreshes the palate.
- Rice Balls (Jumeokbap) – These seasoned rice balls are easy to make and pair perfectly with Korean fried chicken.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup adds warmth and depth to your meal, balancing out flavors beautifully.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Quick stir-fried veggies add color and nutrition, complementing the crispy chicken nicely.
- French Fries – Classic French fries are always a hit! Their salty crunch pairs well with any fried dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Korean Fried Chicken in an air fryer can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.
- Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavors. Take the time to let it soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Overcrowding the basket: Filling the air fryer basket too full prevents even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if needed for better results.
- Neglecting to preheat: Failing to preheat the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer for optimal crispiness.
- Using too much oil: Over-oiling can make your chicken greasy instead of crispy. A light spray or brush of oil is sufficient.
- Not flipping the chicken: Forgetting to flip the chicken halfway through cooking can result in uneven crispiness. Make sure to turn them for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
- Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may affect crispiness.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer that might help you.
How do I achieve extra crispy skin?
To get an extra crispy skin on your Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer, ensure you coat the chicken evenly with crushed corn flakes and use a bit of oil spray before cooking.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! While tenders are great, you can also use drumsticks or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Several sauces complement Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer well, including sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even ranch dressing for a twist.
How spicy is Korean fried chicken?
The spice level can vary based on how much gochujang you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, and adjust according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different seasonings or sauces based on your taste preferences. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food without all the guilt of deep frying!
Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
Indulge in the crispy, savory delight of Korean Fried Chicken made effortlessly in an air fryer! This recipe transforms tender chicken tenders into a crunchy sensation coated with a flavorful Korean-style sauce, all while minimizing oil for a healthier option. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or as an appetizer at gatherings, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken tenders
- 1 cup crushed corn flakes
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks of green onion (whites and greens separated)
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season chicken by combining corn flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Dip each chicken tender in egg mixture, then coat with the corn flake mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- For the sauce: Heat avocado oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic and green onion whites until fragrant. Mix in gochujang, honey, ketchup, mirin, and sesame oil.
- Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 chicken tenders (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
