Chicken dishes have a special place in most kitchens, but this Honey Gochujang Chicken takes it to the next level with its perfectly balanced flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory. Using an air fryer makes this recipe not only easy but also a healthier alternative to deep-frying, creating that signature crispy texture without excess oil.
This dish draws inspiration from Korean cuisine, where gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, is a cornerstone ingredient. Paired with the natural sweetness of honey, it results in a glaze that’s sticky, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing a quick weekday meal, or simply craving a bold-flavored dish, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With the air fryer, you can have crispy, delicious chicken in less time than traditional cooking methods.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of gochujang, honey, and garlic creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Healthier Option: Air frying cuts down on oil while maintaining a crispy texture.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken thighs – 6 pieces, skin-on and bone-in
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – 3 tablespoons
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Green onions – for garnish
- Sesame seeds – for garnish
How to Make Honey Gochujang Chicken in the Air Fryer:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it forms a smooth marinade. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
Tip: For the best results, use a spoon to coat the chicken under the skin, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
3. Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent even cooking. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, then flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Tip: If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly spray it with cooking oil before adding the chicken.
4. Glaze and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked, you can brush it with any leftover marinade (that has been heated for safety) for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re new to gochujang or prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of paste slightly and increase the honey for more sweetness.
- Crispier Skin: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before marinating to help the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain its crispy texture.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Notes:
- For boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don’t dry out.
- Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce the cooking time slightly.
2. Is there a substitute for gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a mix of red chili flakes, soy sauce, and a touch of tomato paste for a similar flavor profile, though the depth of taste will vary.
3. Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other bold and flavorful dishes:
Conclusion:
There’s something magical about a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. This Honey Gochujang Chicken is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring joy to the table. So, fire up your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!
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Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fryer )
Description
Chicken dishes have a special place in most kitchens, but this Honey Gochujang Chicken takes it to the next level with its perfectly balanced flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory. Using an air fryer makes this recipe not only easy but also a healthier alternative to deep-frying, creating that signature crispy texture without excess oil.
This dish draws inspiration from Korean cuisine, where gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, is a cornerstone ingredient. Paired with the natural sweetness of honey, it results in a glaze that’s sticky, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing a quick weekday meal, or simply craving a bold-flavored dish, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs – 6 pieces, skin-on and bone-in
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – 3 tablespoons
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Green onions – for garnish
- Sesame seeds – for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it forms a smooth marinade. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
Tip: For the best results, use a spoon to coat the chicken under the skin, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
3. Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent even cooking. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, then flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Tip: If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly spray it with cooking oil before adding the chicken.
4. Glaze and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked, you can brush it with any leftover marinade (that has been heated for safety) for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don’t dry out.
- Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.