Jump to Recipe
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken (Crispy + Spicy-Sweet) — Korean Chicken recipe, 45 min, serves 4Korean

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken (Crispy + Spicy-Sweet)

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
↓ Jump to Recipe
Dairy-freeHigh protein

The double-crunch Korean wing turned air fryer — coated in gochujang-honey glaze that's crispy through dipping. K-pop level addiction in 45 minutes.

45
min
20
prep
🔥
25
cook
👥
4
servings
480
kcal / serving
🛍 Buy IngredientsPin
Share:
4

Ingredients

Our top picks for this recipe

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Most popular
Cosori Pro 5.8L Air Fryer

Most-recommended air fryer for home cooking. 5.8 L basket fits 4 servings, accurate temperature (verified ±2 °C), dishwasher-safe basket.

$120-150Check price on Amazon →
Best value
Air Fryer Parchment Liners (100ct)

Pre-cut perforated parchment for the basket — air still circulates, but cleanup is one step. The single biggest convenience upgrade.

$10-15Check price on Amazon →
Editor's pick
ThermoPro Instant-Read Thermometer

The most reliable doneness signal for any protein. Stops the guesswork — chicken at 74 °C, salmon at 63 °C, every time.

$15-25Check price on Amazon →

Instructions

1

Marinate wings in soy, vinegar, ginger, salt and pepper for 15 minutes.

2

Mix cornstarch, flour and baking powder in a bowl.

💡 The cornstarch + baking powder combo is the Korean double-crunch secret.
3

Pat wings dry. Dredge through dry mix, pressing firmly to coat. Tap off excess.

💡 Pressing the coating ensures it adheres through the air fry.
4

Air fry at 180 °C (360 °F) for 12 minutes — first pass.

12:00
5

Bump heat to 200 °C (390 °F) for 8 more minutes until deeply golden.

8:00
💡 Two-temperature method mimics the Korean double-fry technique.
6

Meanwhile, whisk gochujang, honey, vinegar, soy, garlic and sesame oil in a saucepan.

💡 Cook 2 minutes on low to bloom the chili paste.
7

Toss hot wings in the glaze immediately. Quick toss — 15-20 seconds max.

💡 Long toss = soggy coating. Speed is essential.
8

Sprinkle sesame seeds and spring onion. Serve immediately.

More tools we recommend

Premium pick
Ninja Foodi DualZone 8L XL

Two independent baskets for cooking protein + side at once. Best for families of 4+ or batch cookers. Premium pick.

$180-230Check price on Amazon →
Essential
Silicone Tongs (2-pack)

Won't scratch the non-stick basket. Heat-safe to 230 °C. The right tool to flip wings, drumsticks, and crispy bits without damage.

$10-15Check price on Amazon →
Eco-friendly
Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Mat

Skip parchment liners entirely. Dishwasher safe, lasts years, fits standard 5-6 L baskets. Better long-term cost than disposables.

$10-18Check price on Amazon →
Save your rating

How was this recipe?

Saved on your device only — no public reviews shown.
Thanks for rating!

Common Questions

Substitute for gochujang?
Sriracha + 1 tbsp brown sugar approximates the flavor. Real gochujang is fermented and richer — worth seeking out.
Why two temperatures?
First pass cooks chicken through. Second pass crisps the coating. One-temperature won't get that signature shatter.
Boneless option?
Use boneless thighs cut into 4 cm pieces. Same coating, same temperatures — 8 + 6 min total.
How spicy is it?
Medium — gochujang is fermented and complex, not just hot. Tolerable for most palates.
Make ahead?
Coat 1 hour ahead, refrigerate. Cook fresh. The glazed wings don't store — eat immediately.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir, or unoaked Chardonnay if you prefer white.
🍺
Beer
Pale ale or pilsner — light enough to not overpower.
🍸
Cocktail
Classic gin and tonic with cucumber.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
soy saucetamari1:1Gluten-free. Slightly less sweet, more pronounced umami.
coconut aminos1:1Soy-free + gluten-free. Slightly sweeter; reduce other sweeteners.

Why this recipe works

Pro tips

Recipe variations

Common mistakes to avoid

The story behind this recipe ▾
Korean fried chicken (KFC — yes, that KFC) exploded globally in 2010s thanks to BB.q Chicken and Kyochon chains. The double-fry technique gives the iconic crackle that holds up to wet sauces. The air fryer's two-temperature pass replicates it without 2 L of oil.
🍳Build your own air fryer recipeFree recipe generator — pick an ingredient + flavour, get a recipe instantly.Try it →
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
Start Cooking

Shopping List

🛍 Buy Ingredients

Cook's tips