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Indulge in Irresistible Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken!
Imagine biting into a piece of crispy, golden-brown chicken that’s been perfectly cured with spices and coated with a rich, savory, and sweet glaze. The sizzle as you take that first tender, juicy bite will make you forget you’re eating healthy. This is what awaits you with this exquisite recipe for Korean Fried Chicken made right in your air fryer. From personal family gatherings to spontaneous friends’ dinners, this dish has been my go-to for impressing everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to make magic happen?
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This recipe is suitable for 4 people and is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
The necessary ingredients (possible in all kinds of variations).
- 1 pound of chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish
For those who prefer a vegan version, consider substituting chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Steps
The steps of preparation (possible in all kinds of variations).
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings or drumettes.
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
- Add chicken to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to help crisp it up.
- Air fry for 25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss the pieces in the glaze until they are thoroughly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Having finished your thoroughly delectable dish, let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional benefits you’ll gain.
Nutritional Benefits
- Packed with protein, promoting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.
- Low in trans fats when using an air fryer, making it a heart-healthy choice.
- Provides antioxidants from the garlic and onion powders, promoting a healthy immune system.
- Gochujang offers capsaicin, which can boost metabolism.
- High in Vitamin C from garnishes like green onions.
Looking for ways to make this dish even more exciting? Let’s explore some incredible additions or upgrades!
Possible Additions or Upgrades
- Add a side of pickled radish for an authentic Korean experience.
- Serve with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice to create a more complete meal.
- Incorporate a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick of spice.
- Include some thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
- Pair with a cold Korean beer for a perfect match!
Now that you have the perfect recipe, let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out amazing!
Questions and Answers
Can I use chicken breast instead of wings?
Yes, you can. Cut the breast into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time since breasts cook faster than wings.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, deep-fry in a skillet, but this will add more calories.
How spicy is gochujang?
Gochujang has a mild to moderate level of heat. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of traditional flour and soy sauce.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marination is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness but skipping it won’t ruin the dish.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat before tossing it with the chicken.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Thaw it in the refrigerator before dredging and cooking.
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 the best texture.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispier.
There’s nothing like the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Spread the magic of this incredible recipe by sharing it on your social networks. Invite your friends to join in the culinary adventure, and remember—great food is always better when enjoyed together!
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