Korean Fried Chicken Air Fryer

Korean Fried Chicken made in the air fryer is a healthier take on the famous crispy, saucy dish. These crunchy chicken tenders are coated in cornflakes, then air-fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Korean-style sauce. It’s a lighter, easy version of the classic that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy texture without deep frying.
• Sweet, spicy, and sticky Korean-inspired sauce.
• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
• Healthier but just as satisfying as restaurant-style fried chicken.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders:

• 8 pieces chicken tenders
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Korean-style sauce:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks green onion (whites and greens separated)
• 2 tablespoon gochujang
• 3 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the chicken tenders:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken tender in egg mixture, then coat with seasoned cornflakes, pressing gently to adhere.

Air fry the chicken:

1. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Spray lightly with avocado oil spray.
3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Make the Korean-style sauce:

1. Heat avocado oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and white parts of green onion; sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in gochujang, honey, ketchup, mirin, and sesame oil.
4. Simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in toasted sesame seeds.

Coat the chicken:

• Transfer cooked chicken tenders to the saucepan. Toss gently until fully coated in sauce.

Serve:

• Garnish with green onion tops and extra sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of tenders (adjust cooking time).
• Make it spicier by adding more gochujang or a pinch of red chili flakes.
• Add rice vinegar for extra tang.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for a lighter coating.
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free cornflakes and tamari instead of soy-based sauces.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp.
• Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What is gochujang?

It’s a Korean chili paste that’s sweet, spicy, and savory — the key to authentic flavor.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken, store, and toss in sauce right before serving.

Do I need to use cornflakes?

No, panko or crushed crackers also work for the coating.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?

Reduce gochujang and add more honey or ketchup for a milder flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes, cut into strips for even cooking.

How do I know when chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer — it should read 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cornflakes and check that your gochujang and sauces are gluten-free.

What can I serve with Korean fried chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, kimchi, or pickled vegetables.

Conclusion

Korean Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer is the ultimate balance of crispy, juicy chicken and sticky, flavorful sauce. With gochujang bringing authentic heat and honey adding sweetness, it’s a dish that delivers bold flavor without deep frying. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or game days, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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