Crispy Korean Chicken Cooked in an Air Fryer

If you're craving a flavorful, crunchy snack without the mess of deep frying, this recipe is perfect for you. Using an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy Korean chicken that's juicy on the inside and packed with delicious spices.

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TIME20 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Crispy Korean Chicken Cooked in an Air Fryer

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

½ cup tapioca starch ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces cooking spray Sauce: 4 ounces tomato sauce 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon soy sauce

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). In a shallow dish, mix together the tapioca starch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece of chicken in this mixture, shaking off any extra.

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Step 2

Set up a baking sheet with a cooling rack and place the coated chicken on it so the excess coating can fall off. Give the chicken a light spray of cooking oil, then arrange the pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

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Step 3

Cook the chicken for around 10 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to help everything cook evenly. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the tomato sauce, gochujang, honey, and soy sauce in a small bowl.

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Step 4

Once the chicken is done and crispy, drizzle the sauce over the pieces and toss gently to coat. Serve right away and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it get extra crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce immediately after cooking to keep it coating the pieces well.

Why you’ll love it

This dish offers a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, flavorful sauce. Using an air fryer makes it healthier without sacrificing the crunch. It’s quick to prepare and great for a weeknight meal or casual gathering.

Serving ideas

Serve with steamed rice or simple fried rice to soak up the sauce. Add a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra color and taste.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave. Avoid storing the chicken mixed with sauce to keep the coating from getting soggy.