A sizzling moment of delight awaits you as you bite into perfectly cooked Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer, where crispy exterior meets tender chicken inside. This recipe takes just 30 minutes to whip up and makes use of an air fryer to achieve that irresistible crunch without deep frying, making it a healthier choice.
This dish is perfect for anyone craving a quick yet delicious meal, family gatherings, or even casual weeknight dinners. The chicken tenders can be coated in the crunchy goodness ahead of time and then air-fried whenever you’re ready to serve, keeping your meal prep light and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The air fryer cooks chicken tenders quickly while keeping them moist.
- A crunchy cornflake coating adds an irresistible texture.
- Sweet and spicy Korean-style sauce elevates the dish to new heights.
- Prep is simple, making it perfect for beginners.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to create this flavorful dish.
For the Chicken Tenders
- 8 pieces chicken tenders
- 1 cup crushed corn flakes
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
For the Korean Style Sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks green onion, whites and greens separated
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Use any cooking oil if avocado oil is unavailable.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken tenders can be replaced with chicken breasts.
- Crushed corn flakes can be swapped with panko breadcrumbs.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup.
- Gochujang can be replaced with sriracha for heat.
How to Make It
Follow these easy steps to create your Korean Fried Chicken.
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
In a large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken tender first into the egg and then into the cornflake mixture to coat well.
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Korean Style Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in the gochujang, honey, ketchup, mirin, and sesame oil, allowing it to simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, drizzle the Korean style sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken to sit for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve
Plate the chicken and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an attractive finish. Enjoy immediately while warm.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the coating loses its crispiness.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure the chicken tenders are well coated to achieve maximum crunch.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Adjust spiciness by adding more or less gochujang.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to enhance flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice or a refreshing cucumber salad.
- Pair with pickled vegetables for a great contrast.
- Enjoy during game day or gatherings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
