Get the secret for extra crispy Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is quickly made using chicken thighs or breasts with a delicious sweet-spicy Korean BBQ sauce made with Gochujang.
Korean Barbecue Chicken aka the other “KFC” is great for all kinds of occasions. Get your picky kids to eat something different, serving the delicious entrée over a bed of steamed rice. Or present it as an appetizer for your next football party!
Why You Will Love This Recipe for Korean Chicken
- Quick | 10 minutes of simple prep and 20 minutes of hands-off cooking, dinner is on the table!
- Healthier | Made in the air fryer, it’s healthier and less messy.
- Meal or App | This Korean barbecue chicken recipe is excellent as an entrée served over steamed rice or a crisp or fermented salad. But it also works great as an irresistible appetizer for your next big game party, March Madness, Super Bowl — you get the idea!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
If you’re hungry for easier air fryer recipes, check out how to air fry turkey legs, this Air Fryer Barbeque Chicken, my Air Fryer Halibut, tender Air Fryer Steak Tips and my new Pigs in Blanket recipe!
Love Asian-inspired recipes? Try my faves; Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice, Healthy Mongolian Beef recipe and this tangy and easy Asian Pork Marinade.
Here in Colorado we have a fast food restaurant called WingWok, their entire menu revolves around “KFC” or Korean Fried Chicken, which all started in South Korea. It’s our family favorite, so I knew it was time to do a recreation.
Our youngest son eats there ALL.THE.TIME, his favorite sauce is GoChuJang and gives our version of Korean chicken wings a big thumbs up, 5 stars! WingWok’s version is made in a traditional wok using hot oil, twice-fried, and twice as crispy!
Simple Ingredients Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
- Chicken thighs | Use skinless and boneless chicken thighs. You may use chicken breast, chicken drumsticks, wings, or drumettes if preferred.
- Seasonings | Season the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder and ginger.
- Vegetable oil | Vegetable oil helps to hold the seasonings and cornstarch stick to the raw chicken bites and aids in preparing the air fryer basket so the ingredients don’t stick to the bottom. Use another high-heat mild-tasting oil in place of the vegetable oil if needed. I like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
- Cornstarch | Coat the chicken pieces with corn starch to produce crispy chicken, you may also use potato starch if you have it on hand.
Korean Barbecue Sauce Ingredients
- Ketchup | One of the key ingredients to most homemade barbecue sauces is classic ketchup. Use your favorite brand or the highest quality ketchup from your local grocery store.
- Gochujang Sauce | Pronounced “Go-Choo-Jang”, this unique ingredient significantly brings authentic Korean flavor. Gochujang paste is sweet, and spicy, with salty and savory notes. Authentic fermented Korean Gochujang is made with carefully selected red peppers, rice, and sea salt; you can try using sriracha or tabasco if you’re in a pinch.
- Honey | Gives the tangy barbecue sauce a touch of sweetness.
- Brown sugar | Like honey, brown sugar adds some sweeter notes and balances the complex flavors of the sauce.
- Rice vinegar | Rice vinegar gives the sauce a slightly acidic taste.
- Soy sauce | Introduce savory, salty, and subtly sweet notes to the Korean barbecue sauce by adding your favorite brand of soy sauce or soy alternative.
- Toasted sesame oil | More savory flavor and nutty notes are added to the sauce with a few drops of toasted sesame oil.
- Ginger & Garlic | Use freshly grated or minced ginger and fresh garlic for the best flavors.
Garnish (Optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds | If preferred, add some texture and contrast of color to the presentation of the dish with toasted sesame seeds.
- Scallions | Sliced scallions further bring interest and vibrant color to the appearance of this Korean barbecue entrée.
- Lime wedges | And finally, include a lime wedge or two to finish the look of your tasty meal!
Recommended Equipment
- Cosori Air Fryer | A popular dedicated air fryer with a larger square basket.
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer & Indoor Grill — a nice wide and easy to operate air fryer. What I made these French toast sticks in, it grills and does other things too!
- My favorite Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (it does it all!), love, love this air fryer, countertop oven.
- Invest in air fryer liners for easier clean-up, these fit the Ninja Foodi XL above, be sure to find the size that fits your air fryer. Parchment paper made for air fryers or use silicone liners instead.
How to Make Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer
Step 1 | Coat the Chicken
First, prepare the chicken thighs for the air fryer. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels so the seasonings will stick to the surfaces better.
Next, toss the chicken with the oil in a large bowl and sprinkle it with the seasonings, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Then, toss the seasoned chicken with the cornstarch to evenly coat all surfaces.
Step 2 | Prep the Air fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with spray oil (not non-stick cooking spray, it gums up your air fryer) or use a paper towel to wipe a thin coat of oil onto it.
Or line the basket with the parchment paper made for air fryers for less mess. This particular parchment paper is made with holes to allow the airflow the air fryer needs to cook the food properly. If you prefer, use air fryer silicone liners instead. Your goal is to prevent the chicken and seasonings from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Then, preheat the air fryer to 400° F (205° C) for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3 | Cook the Chicken Bites
Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket and cook for about 8 minutes. Then, turn the pieces and cook for another 7-8 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. You will likely need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Extra crispy Korean Fried chicken, remove the chicken after cooking and transfer to a plate or wire rack. After cooling for 5 minutes, spray the fried chicken pieces with a light coating of spray oil, like Avocado oil. Then, place the chicken back in the basket in a single layer and fry for another 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining bites, if necessary.
Step 4 | Make the Sauce
Grab a small saucepan while the chicken is cooking and toss in the sauce ingredients. Next, whisk them to thoroughly combine, and bring the ingredients to a brief boil over medium heat. Then, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside until you are ready to serve.
Step 5 | Toss the Chicken in the Sauce and Serve!
Toss the air-fried chicken bites in the spicy sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, a wedge of lime, and some freshly chopped scallion. Then, you’re ready to serve this dish over rice or as a tasty appetizer!
Fresh Tips for the Best Korean Fried Chicken (Air Fryer)
- Marinate the chicken bites in the seasonings for at least 30 minutes for even more flavor.
- It’s critical to cook the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. That way, the airflow reaches all the pieces, and everything cooks evenly. If necessary, cook in batches until all the fried bites are complete.
Toppings
Make it look restaurant worthy! Garnish it with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a few lime wedges! Authentically Korean!
Variations & Substitutions
Spice it Up | Add extra Gochujang or Sriracha to make extra spicy Korean fried chicken.
Make it Gluten-Free | Although Gochujang sauce is naturally gluten-free, some soy sauces are gluten-free, check the labels. Good options are Tamari or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or even Coconut Aminos.
Skip the Chicken Thighs | Luckily this recipe can be easily made with chicken breasts, too!
Oven-Baked Korean Barbecue
If you don’t yet have an air fryer but still want to make this tasty Korean dish, you can bake it in the oven instead. In general, you will preheat the oven to 425° F (220 ° C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Then, season and coat the pieces as directed, lay them in single layer on baking sheet and bake them for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make the chicken sauce on the stovetop as directed, and toss them together once both parts are complete.
Can you air fryer Korean chicken breast?
You bet! If you prefer, cut up boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces instead of the chicken thighs. Proceed with the recipe and air fry a few minutes less.
Storage Tips
Fridge | Place leftover Korean fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Then reheat them when you’re ready by tossing them back in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. At same temps as directed above, for about ½ the time, until heated through.
Freeze | Freeze leftover chicken (before tossing in sauce for best results) on a parchment lined sheet pan in freezer 1-2 hours, once frozen, place in airtight container or zip-top baggie, freeze up to 3 months. Sauce may also be frozen.
Reheat Korean chicken frozen in an air fryer at 400° F (205° C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy and hot.
Can you make air fryer Korean BBQ Chicken with wings or drumettes?
Sure! To make Korean BBQ chicken wings or drumettes, use the above-mentioned process. Be sure to pat the wings and drumettes dry and air fry at 400° F (205° C) for about 15 minutes.
Then, flip the chicken and fry for another 5 minutes. Finally, let them cool for around 5 minutes, and fry again for another 5 minutes. Toss in the delicious sauce and enjoy!
What should you serve with homemade Korean barbecue chicken?
This Korean-inspired dish is traditionally served over steamed short-grain white rice, pickled radish, and an ice cold beer! It’s a flavor sensation!
The vegetables that go well with Korean barbecue chicken include stir-fried veggies, fresh salads, Korean cucumber salad and kimchee.
Do you have to preheat the air fryer?
Technically, no. I like preheating, especially for recipes like this, because it immediately creates a crispy outside, sealing in the chicken’s juices.
Preheating the air fryer is not necessarily required because it heats up much faster than other appliances, like ovens. You may want to cook the ingredients for a little longer, though. Keep a close eye on the chicken and consider adding around three to five minutes to the cooking time.
What to serve with homemade Korean barbecue chicken?
Traditionally, this Korean-inspired dish is served over steamed short-grain white rice, pickled radish, and an ice cold beer! It’s a flavor sensation! Trying that the next time!
Vegetables that go well with Korean barbecue chicken include stir-fried veggies, fresh salads, Korean cucumber salad and of course kimchee.
More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes
- Healthy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
- Healthy Beef and Broccoli
- Pickled Red Onions (Quick Refrigerator Pickled Onions)
The secret to the extra crispy texture for Korean fried chicken is in the second fry. It takes a few extra minutes, but is so worth it!
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Korean Fried Chicken (Air Fryer or Oven)
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Print Pin Save RateIngredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into bite size pieces (or chicken wings, drumettes or boneless chicken breasts if preferred)
- ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil I like Avocado or Grapeseed oil
- 3 tablespoons corn starch or potato starch, I like non-GMO
Korean Gochujang Barbecue Sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons gochujang more or less depending on desired spice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar may use other vinegars, but might change the flavor slightly
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or alternative
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon fresh ginger peeled, minced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
Optional Toppings
- toasted sesame seeds
- scallions (green onions), diced
- lime cut into wedges for squeezing onto crispy fried chicken
Instructions
- Pat chicken thigh (1 ½-2 lbs) pieces dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the oil and sprinkle it with seasonings (salt (½ -1 tsp), pepper (½ tsp), garlic powder (½ tsp), ground ginger (½ tsp). Toss with corn starch (3 TBL), until coated evenly.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil or use a paper towel to wipe a thin coat of oil onto it, or for less mess, line with parchment paper made for air fryers (with holes in it) or air fryer silicone liners. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F (205° C).
- Cook coated chicken in single layers for 8 minutes, turn and cook an additional 7-8 minutes until crispy, doing in batches if necessary. See notes for how to oven bake.
- For extra crispy chicken, remove chicken after cooking (according to above instructions), to a plate or cooling rack, cool for 5 minutes. After cooling for 5 minutes, spray chicken pieces with a light coating of spray oil (like Avocado oil), place in a single layer back in the air fryer and fry for another 5 minutes.
- While chicken is cooking, assemble sauce ingredients in a small saucepan, 3 TBL Ketchup, 2 TBL gochujang, 2 TBL Honey, 1 TBL Brown sugar, 1 TBL rice vinegar, 1 TBL soy sauce, ½ TBL seseme oil, ½ TBL ginger, 2 cloves garlic and whisk to combine, bring to a brief boil over medium heat, remove from heat until ready to serve.
- Once chicken is cooked, toss well in sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, wedge of lime and/or a little chopped scallion.
Rebecaa
Hi, would i marinate the chicken overnight? Thanks.
Kathleen Pope
This isn’t a marinade; the sauce is tossed onto the fried chicken after it’s fried; I don’t think you need to marinate it. In fact, I think if you came up with a marinade to use it might “fight” with the sauce once you tossed it in the sauce.
Spring
I want to try this, but I’m concerned that an additional 5 minutes in the air fryer will dry the chicken out? I feel I should cut down on the initial cook time!
Kathleen Pope
The extra 5 minutes does not dry the chicken out, but adds a great “deep fried” like crispness. However; that being said, all air fryers heat a little differently, so be sure to maybe start with a few minutes. Test one and return to the air fryer. Also make sure that you don’t cut the pieces too small to begin with. Hope that helps!
Elena
Very tasty, I will surely cook it again ????????
Kathleen Pope
Yay! So glad to hear!
Mindy
I love Korean fried chicken and I’m so excited that I now can make an equally tasty version at home! They are so crispy and the sauce is amazing. Do not skip out on the gochujang!!
Kathleen Pope
Thanks so much Mindy!
Tasia
I had some chicken thighs just staring at me in the refrigerator, so I had to whip these up. Needless to say they were a huge hit! So flavorful!
Kathleen Pope
Yay!! So glad to hear that Tasia! Thank you!
Maayke
This fried chicken looks fantastic! I will definitely try this recipe soon
Kathleen Pope
Let me know what you think!
Jill
What a terrific new recipe for me to try in my air fryer! It looks fabulous and I appreciate your clear instructions and beautiful photos. Thanks!
Kathleen Pope
Thanks Jill!
Shashi
These look so darn juicy and tasty! Love that these can be made in the air fryer! Fab recipe – thank you!
Kathleen Pope
Thanks!
Ned
Dang! Those were freakin’ tasty and my whole family loved them as well! 100% will make these again. Thank you!
Kathleen Pope
So glad to hear that! Thanks Ned!
Traci
Your Korean fried chicken is easy enough and the flavors are spot on! I could eat this every week and I just might for the next month LOL. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kathleen Pope
Haha!! Thanks so much Traci!
Jaime
Just made the oven version tonight for dinner and wow, this was awesome!!! Great recipe!!! Added to my rotation for sure!
Kathleen Pope
Thank you so much Jaime, so glad you loved it!
Sharon
I’m always looking for new recipes to cook in my air fryer and this easy Korean fried chicken did not disappoint! So tasty.
Kathleen Pope
So glad you loved it Sharon!
Shelby
This is such a delicious chicken recipe with the most incredible flavorful sauce. Yum!
Kathleen Pope
Thanks so much Shelby!
Lynn Spencer
Oh these are the perfect game day treat. Thanks!
Kathleen Pope
Thanks so much Lynn!
Dana
10/10 will take this over KFC any day! So tasty! We all loved the flavors in this one.
Kathleen Pope
So so true! Thanks Dana, glad you enjoyed it!