Whether you are a fan of Korean cuisine or simply on the hunt for delicious and crispy chicken, look no further than Korean Fried Chicken (KFC). This delectable dish is known for its perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken, coated in a thin, crispy, and addictive outer layer. Traditionally, Korean Fried Chicken is deep-fried, which can make it quite greasy. However, with the rising popularity of air fryers, you can now enjoy all the flavors and textures of this dish with considerably less oil. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Korean Fried Chicken in an air fryer, so you can indulge in the crispy and flavorful delights of this Korean classic.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before embarking on your Korean Fried Chicken adventure, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you will need:
For the chicken:
– 2 pounds of chicken wings or drumettes
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
For the batter:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of cold water
For the sauce:
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons of ketchup
– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Preparing the Chicken
To ensure your Korean Fried Chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, some preliminary steps should be followed before cooking.
1. Pat the chicken dry:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken wings or drumettes dry. This step helps remove any excess moisture, allowing the chicken to crisp up nicely.
2. Season the chicken:
In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
3. Let it marinate (optional):
For an extra burst of flavor, you can let the seasoned chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Creating the Batter
The secret behind the crispiness of Korean Fried Chicken lies in its batter. Here’s how you can create a light and airy batter for your chicken:
1. Combine the dry ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This mixture will act as the base for your batter.
2. Add the cold water:
Gradually pour the cold water into the dry ingredient mixture while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer
With your chicken seasoned and the batter ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps to achieve crispy and flavorful Korean Fried Chicken in your air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.
2. Coat the chicken with batter:
Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the prepared batter, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter to prevent it from becoming too thick.
3. Place the chicken in the air fryer:
Apply a light spray of cooking oil to the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, without overcrowding. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air fry the chicken:
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden brown color.
Creating the Korean Fried Chicken Sauce
No Korean Fried Chicken experience is complete without the signature sauce. The sauce adds a burst of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors to the chicken. Here’s how you can whip up the perfect sauce:
1. Combine the sauce ingredients:
In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, gochujang, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Heat the sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Thicken the sauce (optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with two tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Coating the Chicken with the Sauce
Once your Korean Fried Chicken pieces have achieved a crispy and golden exterior in the air fryer, it is time to coat them with the flavorful sauce. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Toss the chicken with the sauce:
In a large bowl, place the cooked chicken pieces and pour the prepared sauce over them. Gently toss the chicken and sauce together until each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Coat evenly (optional):
For an extra glossy and sticky finish, you can return the sauced chicken pieces to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step helps the sauce adhere to the chicken more effectively.
Serving and Enjoying Korean Fried Chicken
With your Korean Fried Chicken beautifully coated in the delicious sauce, it’s time to serve and savor every bite. Here are some tips on serving and enjoying this crispy and flavorful delicacy:
1. Serve with a side of pickled radish:
In Korean cuisine, Korean Fried Chicken is often served with pickled radish on the side. The refreshing and tangy pickled radish perfectly complements the flavors of the chicken.
2. Pair with cold beer:
Korean Fried Chicken and beer make an incredible pairing known as “Chimaek” in Korea. The crispiness of the chicken and the effervescence of the beer create a delightful harmony of flavors.
3. Customize the spiciness:
If you prefer a milder version of Korean Fried Chicken, you can reduce the amount of gochujang in the sauce recipe. On the other hand, if you love spice, feel free to increase the gochujang to your liking.
In conclusion, making Korean Fried Chicken in an air fryer allows you to enjoy the crispy and flavorful delights of this delicious dish with less oil. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouthwatering batch of Korean Fried Chicken that will have your taste buds singing. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to indulge in a sensational Korean culinary experience.