Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Known as Dakgangjeong, this sweet and savory treat is not only finger-licking good but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and the convenience of an air fryer, you’ll have crispy chicken wings ready in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 33 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy delicious fried chicken without the hassle.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures that your chicken wings are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these wings are sure to impress your guests.
• Healthier Alternative: Cooking in an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment will make your preparation smooth and your cooking more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This is the star of the show! It cooks your chicken quickly while achieving that desired crispy texture without deep frying.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily coat the chicken wings evenly with the starch and seasonings.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.

Ingredients

This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is so easy to make and finger licking good! Also known as Dakgangjeong or Soy Garlic Fried Chicken, this Korean fried chicken made in the air fryer is sweet, sticky, and savoury. You only need a handful of pantry staples and you’ll have this air fryer Korean chicken wings ready in no time.

For the Chicken Wings

• 1½ lbs chicken wings
• 3 tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp rice apple vinegar
• ¾ tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tbsp water

How to Make Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine potato starch, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Pour this mixture over the chicken wings and mix until they are thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken Wings

1. Place the coated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, remaining garlic powder, rice apple vinegar, black pepper, and water.
2. Allow it to bubble while stirring occasionally. The sauce should be runny but flavorful.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce

1. Once the chicken wings are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer.
2. Toss them in the prepared sauce until they are well coated.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Pair the chicken with fluffy steamed rice to balance the savory and sweet flavors. The rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.

In a Wrap

• Place the wings in a soft tortilla with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick and tasty wrap.

With Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside pickled cucumbers or radishes. The tangy crunch complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

As Appetizers

• Cut the wings into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.

On a Salad

• Toss the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, adding sliced avocado and sesame dressing for a refreshing twist.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Creating perfect Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning. This helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Coat Evenly: Ensure each wing is evenly coated in the starch mixture. This creates an excellent crunch when air frying.
• Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.
• Monitor Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature of 400°F to achieve optimal cooking results without burning.
• Toss in Sauce Immediately: After air frying, toss the wings in sauce while they are still hot to allow better flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

To make your meal complete, consider pairing your Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken with delightful side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

1. Kimchi: A spicy fermented vegetable dish that adds tang and depth, making it an ideal partner for fried chicken.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and balances the richness of the chicken with its creamy texture.
3. Sesame Noodles: These cold noodles tossed in sesame sauce offer a comforting side that complements Korean flavors well.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, bringing balance to your meal.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken, enhancing your dining experience.
6. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for an easy, nutritious side packed with protein.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers umami depth and warmth, perfect alongside crispy chicken.
8. Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with veggies give a light yet satisfying option that pairs nicely with dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Placing too many wings at once can lead to uneven cooking. Instead, cook in batches for the best results.
• Skipping the Drying Step: Moist chicken wings won’t crisp up properly. Always pat them dry before seasoning for that perfect crunch.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Failing to preheat can affect cooking time and texture. Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
• Ignoring Sauce Timing: Adding sauce too early can make it soggy. Toss in the sauce just before serving for a better coating.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap soy sauce or sugar can impact flavor. Use quality ingredients for a more delicious dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking regularly. This method may not retain crispiness.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and reheat the wings until hot and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions:

What is Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken?

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is a healthier version of traditional fried chicken made using an air fryer. It features crispy skin and sweet-savory flavors.

How do I make Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken crispy?

To achieve crispiness, ensure your chicken wings are well-dried before applying starch and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken wings with thighs or drumsticks if desired. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What should I serve with my Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken?

Consider pairing it with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not inherently spicy but can be adjusted by adding chili flakes or sauce if you prefer some heat!

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting sweetness or adding spices based on your preference. Try it today for a delicious twist on classic fried chicken!