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Crispy and Delicious: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken Recipe

Korean fried chicken, known for its light, crispy coating and succulent meat, has taken the culinary world by storm. With its delightful blend of sweetness, spice, and umami flavours, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist. Traditionally deep-fried, it can be quite indulgent, but fear not! The air fryer is here to save the day, offering a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavour or crunch. In this article, we’ll guide you through preparing air fryer Korean fried chicken, ensuring it is just as delicious as its deep-fried counterpart.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg chicken wings or drumsticks
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yoghurt as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Korean Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Spring onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This will help tenderise the meat and infuse it with flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, paprika, and black pepper. This mixture will create a lovely crispy coating for your chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. One piece at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully covered. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Air Fryer Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential for achieving that perfect crunch on your chicken.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Korean sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Heat gently over medium heat until the sauce is well mixed and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Korean sauce over the chicken, tossing everything together until the chicken pieces are well coated.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your air fryer Korean fried chicken on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onions. Pair it with some refreshing pickled radishes, a side of steamed rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Choosing the Chicken: Wings tend to work best for this recipe, but you can use drumsticks or even boneless thighs if preferred.
• Gochujang: This ingredient is the soul of Korean fried chicken. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preferences.
• Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your chicken as different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to cooking times.

Conclusion

With its irresistible crunch and sizzling flavours, air fryer Korean fried chicken is a fantastic dish that is sure to impress. It’s perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a comforting dinner at home. Enjoy the tastes of Korea in a healthier way by using your air fryer, and savour every bite of this delightful dish!