If you’re craving the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy, look no further! This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is the answer to all your fried chicken dreams—without the mess of deep frying. Whether you call it Air Fried Chicken, Chicken Airfryer, or just an easy weeknight meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for delicious chicken dinners and beyond.
Packed with bold flavors from a sweet and spicy Korean sauce, this dish is perfect for everything from holiday snacks to quick dinner today plans. It’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving you the crunch of traditional fried chicken without drowning it in oil.
This Korean Fried Chicken Recipe is versatile enough to shine as a star player for game day or as a fun twist on Chicken Wing Recipes. Plus, it’s a great addition to your air fryer recipes chicken rotation if you love trying new takes on Korean Chicken Recipes or Crispy Asian Chicken dishes.
Ready to make the best Easy Korean Fried Chicken with that signature spicy Korean sauce? Let’s fire up that air fryer and create something unforgettable—your taste buds (and your family!) are in for a treat.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy, Sweet, and a Little Spicy
There’s something magical about biting into a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy, sticky, and full of flavor. But, let’s be honest, deep frying at home is a lot. The oil splatters, the lingering smell, and the cleanup—it’s just too much sometimes. That’s why I fell in love with making Korean fried chicken in my air fryer.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hawaiian-Style Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
You still get that golden, crunchy coating without drowning your kitchen (or yourself) in oil. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly simple. It’s one of those meals that feels special but doesn’t take forever to make. If you’ve got a hungry family (or just a hungry you), this is a total win.
Let me walk you through it, step by step. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken wings or drumettes (I love drumettes for the meaty bite!)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp water
- Spray oil (any kind works—just make sure it’s neutral)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste—find it in the Asian section of your grocery store!)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced (fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish, if you wanna get fancy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first—rinse and pat your chicken dry. This helps the coating stick better. In one bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In another, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated, but tap off any extra flour. Nobody likes that gummy, extra-thick layer.
Step 2: Get Your Air Fryer Ready
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Don’t skip this step—it helps the chicken cook evenly and get extra crispy. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil so nothing sticks.
Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of fry. Spray the tops of the chicken with a little oil.
Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, crank the heat up to 400°F and cook for another 5 minutes to really crisp things up.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is doing its thing, grab a small saucepan and toss in the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Heat it on low, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm and slightly thickened. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is done, take it out and let it cool for just a minute. Then, pour that delicious sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is coated.
Transfer to a plate (or eat straight from the bowl—no judgment here). Sprinkle on some sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you have them. It’s the little touches that make it feel restaurant-level good.
Why You’ll Love It
This chicken is everything—crispy, flavorful, and a little spicy, with a sweet, sticky glaze that’s impossible to resist. And thanks to the air fryer, it’s way lighter and less greasy than the traditional deep-fried version.
I usually serve it with some rice or noodles and a side of pickled radish to cut through the richness. But honestly? Sometimes I just eat it straight off the plate because I can’t wait.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to break out your air fryer (or finally buy one), this is it. Korean fried chicken, at home, made easy. What’s not to love?
FAQs: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting. Pat them dry to ensure the coating sticks well and they crisp up properly in the air fryer.
2. Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps the chicken cook evenly and get that extra crispy texture. If your air fryer has a preheat option, use it!
3. What is gochujang, and can I substitute it?
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste with a sweet, savory, and spicy flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores or Asian markets. If you can’t find it, try a mix of sriracha (for heat) and a little miso paste or honey for the sweet-savory element.
4. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the basket with oil before adding the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the basket so air can circulate properly around each piece.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your gochujang and soy sauce are labeled gluten-free.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much gochujang you use. For a milder version, reduce the gochujang or add more honey to balance the heat.
7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp it up again.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent it from getting crispy.
9. What can I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?
Steamed rice, pickled radish, or a simple salad are great accompaniments. For a fun twist, try it with kimchi or noodles.
10. Can I make this without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F. Place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
And there you have it—Air Fried Chicken made simple yet packed with bold flavors! This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is everything you could want in a meal: crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving Crispy Korean Fried Chicken for a family meal, need a quick Chicken Wing Recipes Fried idea, or want to whip up a Holiday Snack, this recipe delivers every time.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken wings or drumettes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp water
- Spray oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry.
- In one bowl, whisk the egg and water.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat each chicken piece in the egg wash, then in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
Cook in Air Fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Spray basket lightly with oil.
- Place chicken in a single layer; spray tops with oil.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Increase heat to 400°F and cook for 5 more minutes for extra crispiness.
Make the Sauce:
- Combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
- Heat on low until warm and slightly thickened.
Toss and Serve:
- Coat cooked chicken with the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice or pickled radish for a full meal.
- Adjust spice level by using more or less gochujang.
From the savory-sweet glaze of the Spicy Korean Sauce to the irresistible crunch, this dish proves that you don’t need a deep fryer to create restaurant-quality Crispy Asian Chicken at home. It’s the perfect addition to your go-to Air Fryer Recipes Chicken list and makes a standout option for delicious chicken dinners.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner today, give this Easy Korean Fried Chicken a try. Pair it with rice, veggies, or enjoy it straight off the plate—it’s a winner no matter how you serve it. Trust me, once you taste this Korean Fried Chicken Recipe Air Fryer, you’ll want it on repeat.
Now grab your air fryer and let’s make dinner unforgettable with this Chicken Air Fryer recipe.
