A delicious and easy Korean-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Gochujang Chicken
A delicious and easy Korean-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp fresh ginger grated (optional)
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tbsp green onions sliced
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt to create the marinade.
- 2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, tossing to ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- 3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- 4. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in two batches.
- 5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a crispy, caramelized exterior. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) should be reached.
- 6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a complete meal. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts, reduce cooking time slightly.
