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Korean Fried Chicken

A delightful dish that combines crispy texture with a spicy, sweet sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5-2 pounds chicken thighs Tender and juicy
  • 0.5-1 teaspoon kosher salt Seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper For warmth
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Aromatic flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger Aromatic flavor
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Avocado or grapeseed recommended
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch or potato starch For crispy coating
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang Adjust based on spice preference
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Adds zest
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Depth of flavor
  • 0.5 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 0.5 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
For Garnish
  • toasted sesame seeds For garnish
  • diced scallions (green onions) For garnish
  • lime wedges For fresh burst of flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with vegetable oil and sprinkle with seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  3. Add corn starch, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and spray the basket with oil.
  2. Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 8 minutes, then turn and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate or cooling rack and spritz lightly with oil. Place back in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
  2. Whisk to combine, bring to a brief boil over medium heat, then remove from heat.
Final Assembly
  1. Toss the cooked chicken in the prepared sauce.
  2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, and chopped scallion before serving.

Notes

Consider marinating the chicken in the seasonings for an hour or overnight for richer flavors. Always preheat your air fryer for best results. If using the oven, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through. For gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.