Name: Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8 pieces chicken tenders; 1 cup crushed corn flakes; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 eggs; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onion (whites and greens separated); 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 3 tbsp honey; 3 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp mirin; 1 tbsp sesame oil; Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

If you love crispy, flavorful chicken with a spicy-sweet kick, you are going to fall head over heels for this Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy that iconic Korean fried chicken crunch using your air fryer for less mess and fuss, all while locking in juicy tenderness and bold sauce flavors that dance on your tongue. Ready to impress your taste buds and guests alike? Let’s dive into this cozy, addictive dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a piece of raw chicken coated with crunchy golden crumbs above a large metal bowl filled with more golden crumbs. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more raw chicken pieces. The scene is set on a white marbled surface and wall, giving a clean and bright look. The textures of the crunchy crumbs and the smooth chicken skin are clear and sharp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe keeps things delightfully simple but packs a punch thanks to its fresh ingredients. Each component plays a starring role — from the crispy cornflake coating that gives the chicken that satisfying crunch to the sweet heat of the gochujang sauce that ties everything together perfectly.

Chicken tenders (8 pieces): The perfect size for even cooking and maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
Crushed corn flakes (1 cup): A crunchy substitute for traditional breadcrumbs that adds an irresistible texture.
Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Adds savory warmth and enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
Paprika (1 tsp): Provides a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color to the coating.
Eggs (2): Help the crust stick perfectly to each tender.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper (1 tsp): Adds a little spice and complexity.
Avocado oil (1 tbsp + spray): A healthy oil perfect for sautéing the sauce and spritzing the chicken before air frying.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant kick.
Green onions (2 stalks, whites and greens separated): Whites sautéed in the sauce for depth and greens for garnish.
Gochujang (2 tbsp): This Korean chili paste brings the signature spicy-sweet flavor.
Honey (3 tbsp): Balances the heat with a luscious sweetness.
Ketchup (3 tbsp): Adds tang and body to the sauce.
Mirin (2 tbsp): A touch of rice wine sweetness that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a toasty nuttiness for that authentic Korean flair.
Toasted sesame seeds (to taste): For sprinkling on top, adding crunch and a beautiful finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a shallow dish and crush the corn flakes until they are flaky but not powdered — this will create the incredible crunch we want. Season the crushed corn flakes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing everything together so the coating bursts with flavor from the get-go.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Next, roll it gently in the seasoned cornflake crumbs to coat completely. The magic here is in pressing the coating lightly so that it clings perfectly but doesn’t fall off during cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each piece for even crisping. Lightly spray them with avocado oil to help achieve that golden brown finish. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure each side is perfectly crispy and cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up the Korean Style Sauce

While the chicken cooks, it’s time to create the sauce that makes this Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe unforgettable. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the gochujang, honey, ketchup, mirin, and sesame oil. Let this simmer gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly into a luscious glaze. Finish by stirring in toasted sesame seeds for texture and taste.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once your chicken tenders come out crispy and irresistible from the air fryer, toss them gently in the sauce until every bite is coated with that beautiful sticky glaze. Don’t rush this step — letting the sauce envelop the chicken enriches every mouthful with classic Korean flavors.

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white pan on a white marbled stove surface filled with a dark brown sauce with small chunks. A pair of black and white tongs held by a woman's hand is lifting a bright orange piece of food coated with the sauce. The sauce looks thick and shiny with bits of garlic or spices scattered throughout. Steam rises slightly from the pan, showing the food is hot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A final flourish of sliced green onion greens and a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds makes this dish look as good as it tastes. These simple garnishes add freshness and a lovely crunch that contrast your chicken’s crispy exterior.

Side Dishes

Pair your Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice to soak up that vibrant sauce. For a fresh counterpoint, a cool cucumber salad or pickled radish on the side provides brightness that balances the dish’s sweetness and spice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this chicken in a cozy bowl over noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil and scallions for a comforting meal or on a platter surrounded by vibrant veggies for a shareable appetizer at your next get-together. Little bowls of extra sauce for dipping add a fun interactive element everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Korean Fried Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain crispiness; otherwise, tossed chicken will be delightfully saucy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For crispy leftovers, reheat the chicken tender pieces in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Warm the leftover Korean sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then toss and serve as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly, chicken wings or drumsticks work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly and get that signature crisp.

Is the sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a balanced mild heat thanks to the gochujang, tempered by the sweetness of honey and the tang from ketchup. If you prefer less heat, reduce the gochujang or add a bit more honey to mellow it out.

Why use crushed corn flakes instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Corn flakes give an extra crunchy, flaky texture that mimics traditional Korean fried chicken better than ordinary breadcrumbs. Plus, they brown beautifully in the air fryer, making every bite satisfyingly crispy.

Can I make this Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure your gochujang, ketchup, and mirin are gluten-free, and verify no gluten-containing ingredients are in your corn flakes. Many brands offer gluten-free flakes perfect for this recipe.

What’s the best way to serve this chicken for a party?

Serve the chicken tenders on a large platter with small bowls of sauce for dipping, and a variety of garnishes like scallions, sesame seeds, and pickled veggies nearby. It makes for a fun, interactive appetizer everyone will devour!

Final Thoughts

This Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe is an absolute game changer for anyone craving the addictive crunch and finger-licking sauce of Korean fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that’s juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavor anytime you want. Go ahead — give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need