Description
This Savory Air Fryer Gochujang Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of gochujang, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then air fried to crispy perfection in just 20 minutes. A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this dish a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on for juiciness)
Marinade
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang (can substitute sriracha)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or avocado oil)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Green Onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, salt, gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or container and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with cooking oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Cook the Chicken – First Side: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes to start crisping the skin.
- Flip and Baste: Flip the chicken pieces over, baste them with the reserved marinade, then continue cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is crispy on the outside and thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and spicy gochujang chicken!
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor intensity.
- If you prefer less heat, substitute gochujang with sriracha or reduce the amount.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful when cooking in the air fryer.
- Line the air fryer basket carefully or spray it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
