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Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

5 from 93 reviews

This Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on traditional fried chicken using an air fryer for a healthier, quicker cook. Chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned crushed cornflake crust, air fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a homemade sweet and spicy Korean-style sauce featuring gochujang, honey, and sesame oil. Perfect as a snack or meal, this dish delivers authentic Korean flavors with less oil and mess.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders

  • 8 pieces chicken tenders
  • 1 cup crushed corn flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Korean Style Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onion (whites and greens separated)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow dish, combine crushed corn flakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with some salt and pepper. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned corn flakes, pressing to adhere.
  2. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Spray them lightly with avocado oil spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Prepare the Korean Style Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat avocado oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and white parts of green onion; sauté until fragrant. Stir in gochujang, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, and mirin. Simmer the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame seeds.
  4. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
  5. Serve: Serve the Korean Fried Chicken hot, garnished with the green parts of green onion and additional toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
  • Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of gochujang.
  • Use avocado oil for a high smoke point and subtle flavor that complements the dish.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra crunch, double coat the chicken tenders by dipping again in egg and cornflake mixture before air frying.

Keywords: Korean fried chicken, air fryer chicken tenders, Korean sauce, gochujang recipe, crispy chicken, Korean cuisine, healthy fried chicken