Name: Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 chicken quarters; ½ apple (preferably Korean or Fuji, grated); ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup mirin; 2 inches fresh ginger, grated; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of choice); 1 teaspoon black pepper; Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

If you’re craving something savory, sweet, and incredibly juicy, then this Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. There’s just something magical about how the kalbi marinade, with its blend of soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of apple, transforms these chicken legs into tender, flavorful bites. Cooking them in the air fryer means crispy skin without the mess or extra oil, which is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick dinner that still feels special.

I’ve made this recipe a handful of times when friends come over, and every single time, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The marinade’s sweet and tangy notes soak right into the meat, making every bite pop. Plus, with the air fryer, you get consistent results without hovering over the stove, which I love. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your chicken rotation, this Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe is absolutely worth giving a try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each of these ingredients brings something unique that blends into the classic Korean kalbi marinade flavor profile. Keep an eye out for fresh garlic and ginger—they really elevate the dish, and a good quality soy sauce will add that well-rounded umami you want.

Chicken quarters: Choose skin-on for the crispiest air fryer finish and juicy meat inside.
Apple: Adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the marinade. Low-sodium works if you’re watching salt intake.
Mirin: Sweet rice wine that gives a subtle sweetness and depth; you can substitute with a bit of honey and a splash of rice vinegar if needed.
Fresh ginger: Essential for that zingy kick—grate it finely for even distribution.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor and keeps it authentic.
Green onion stalks: Adds freshness and color, also great for garnish later.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to bring that toasty Korean vibe.
Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a slight tang.
Sweetener (sugar): The traditional choice. You can try brown sugar or honey for slight variations.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper keeps the flavors grounded.
Sesame seeds (optional): For that final sprinkle of texture and nutty flavor.

Variations

I love making this Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe my own by tweaking the sweetness or adding heat. Feel free to play around so it suits your palate perfectly—you’ll find your favorite version in no time!

Spicy kick: Adding Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or a splash of Sriracha to the marinade gives it a wonderful punch; I tried this once when I wanted a little more heat, and it was fantastic.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check your mirin or substitute with a gluten-free rice wine to keep this recipe friendly for gluten sensitivities.
Marinade time: If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours, but for best flavor, overnight works wonders and won’t disappoint.
Fresh herbs: Toss in fresh cilantro or Thai basil right before serving for a fresh twist.

How to Make Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade

Start by blending half an apple, soy sauce, mirin, peeled ginger, garlic cloves, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and pepper. I like to use a food processor or blender so everything mixes smoothly, which helps the flavors penetrate the chicken evenly. If you don’t have a blender handy, finely grate the apple and ginger and mince the garlic and green onions before mixing – it might take a tad longer but it’s just as delicious.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken quarters in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour over the marinade. Massage it in a bit to coat well. Then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—but honestly, overnight is best if you can plan ahead. This step really makes the difference because the chicken soaks up all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures a nice, crispy skin from the moment you add the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Legs

Place the marinated chicken quarters in the air fryer basket skin-side down in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I usually check with a meat thermometer to be safe. Avoid opening the basket too often, so the heat stays consistent.

How to Serve Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows two pieces of grilled chicken thighs with a shiny, dark orange glaze and some charred black spots on the skin. The chicken is placed on a white plate along with a neat round mound of white rice sprinkled with black sesame seeds on top. Around the chicken and rice, there are small pieces of green cucumber with some red chili flakes on them. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

After cooking, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for that authentic, vibrant touch. I usually add a little extra green onion because it brightens the dish and looks great on the plate.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these chicken legs with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all the delicious juices. A simple cucumber salad or stir-fried vegetables adds fresh crunch and balances the meal perfectly. Sometimes I’ll throw together some kimchi on the side for a spicy, tangy kick that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or entertaining, I like to serve the chicken legs on a bed of lettuce leaves with small bowls of dipping sauces—like extra soy sauce or spicy mayo—on the side. It turns the meal into a hands-on experience and always gets people chatting. Wrapping bites in lettuce with rice and a little sauce is a great way to switch things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly wrap leftover chicken legs or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They typically stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them excellent for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover kalbi chicken legs successfully by wrapping each piece individually in foil and then placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. The marinade flavors hold up well in the freezer, so you won’t lose that amazing taste.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chicken legs back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the skin crispy, unlike the microwave which can make it soggy. I always recommend this if you want the best texture and flavor on leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can work if you adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless will cook faster—usually about 12-15 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F. Just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

While you can marinate the chicken as little as 2 hours, I find letting it sit overnight really makes the flavors shine through and gives you that tender, juicy texture that makes this Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe stand out.
Is the air fryer the best method for cooking this recipe?

In my experience, yes! The air fryer crisps up the skin beautifully without drying out the meat and without needing extra oil. You get juicy chicken with less fuss and cleanup, making it one of my favorite ways to prepare this dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party or meal prep?

Definitely. Marinate the chicken early in the day or the night before, then cook it fresh in the air fryer just before serving. It also reheats really well, so prepping in advance is a great option.

Final Thoughts

This Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe holds a special spot in my meal rotation because it’s the perfect blend of bold flavors and easy cooking. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight or a weekend gathering, I know I can count on it to impress with minimal effort. You’ll love how the marinade transforms simple chicken legs into something unforgettable. Give it a shot—you might find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!