Korean fried chicken has become a popular dish in recent years, known for its crispy texture and delicious flavors. However, it is also known for being high in calories and fat due to the double-frying process and thick batter used. But what if we told you that you could enjoy this beloved dish in a healthier way?
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, creating a crispy texture without the need for deep frying in oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it significantly reduces the amount of oil used in cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Making air fryer Korean fried chicken is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and minimal preparation. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
1 pound of chicken wings or drumettes
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of gochujang sauce (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Toss the chicken wings in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken wings in a single layer.
Drizzle the vegetable oil over the chicken wings.
Cook the chicken wings in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix together the gochujang sauce, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
Once the chicken wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce until fully coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
With an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture and flavor as traditional deep-fried chicken, but with far less oil and calories. Traditional fried chicken is often high in calories and unhealthy fats, but air fryer Korean fried chicken significantly reduces the amount of oil used in the cooking process. This means you can enjoy the same delicious taste and crispy texture without the added health risks associated with deep-frying.