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Healthier Korean Fried Chicken

This healthier Korean fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and air-fried instead of deep-fried! Juicy chicken breast is coated in a light, crispy crust, then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and savory gochujang sauce. Finished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s an easy homemade Korean fried chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying appetizer.
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • ~1.5 lbs chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 large egg
  • Crispy Coating
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • Gochujang Sauce
  • 2 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 –2 tbsp water
  • For Serving
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken breast dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Add the egg, then mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and baking powder.
  • Dip each piece of chicken into the dry mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to create a thick, crispy crust.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with a little more oil. Cook until golden and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  • While the chicken cooks, add gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and water to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Right before serving, toss the crispy chicken with the gochujang sauce until evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.