Name: Savory Air Fryer Gochujang Chicken in Just 20 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on for juiciness); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Ginger (minced); 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (light or dark); 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons Gochujang (can substitute sriracha); 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low-sodium recommended); 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or avocado oil); 2 tablespoons Green Onion (chopped, for garnish); 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)

Description

This Savory Air Fryer Gochujang Chicken recipe delivers juicy, crispy chicken thighs infused with the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of Korean gochujang. Ready in just 20 minutes of active cooking time, it marries garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and tangy rice vinegar in a vibrant marinade, then cooks to perfection in the air fryer for an easy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on for juiciness)

Marinade

3 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Ginger (minced)
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (light or dark)
1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons Gochujang (can substitute sriracha)
2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low-sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or avocado oil)
2 tablespoons Green Onion (chopped, for garnish)
1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, salt, gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors evenly. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this marinade for basting later.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a separate bowl or container and coat them well with the prepared marinade. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight to deepen the flavors.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). To avoid sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil.
Air fry the chicken – first side: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes to start crisping the skin and sealing in the juices.
Flip and baste the chicken: Carefully flip the chicken thighs to skin-side up. Use the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade to baste the tops, enhancing flavor and moisture during the second cook phase.
Continue cooking: Cook the chicken for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safely cooked through but still juicy.
Garnish and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added freshness, crunch, and nutty flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy Korean-inspired taste.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor infusion and tenderness.
If you don’t have gochujang, sriracha sauce can be used as a substitute for a different heat profile.
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness and crispy skin; boneless or skinless will cook faster but be less moist.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and prevent overcooking.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to reduce cleanup and prevent sticking, but ensure there is enough airflow around the chicken for even cooking.