You will love this easy Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe. It combines bold Korean barbecue flavors with juicy marinated chicken legs, making it simple and tasty for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish that brings the essence of Korean BBQ right to your home. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor: The Kalbi marinade infuses the chicken with rich, savory tastes that everyone will love.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces excess oil while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these chicken legs as a main course or slice them up for salads and wraps.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients to create a feast that tastes gourmet.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Gather everything you need before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: Cooks chicken legs evenly while giving them a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the marinade ingredients thoroughly for maximum flavor absorption.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of ingredients like ginger and garlic, making preparation easier.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make delicious Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 6 Chicken quarters
- Kalbi marinade
- ½ apple
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2” ginger
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 stalks of green onion
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sweetener (I used sugar)
- 1 tsp of pepper
Sesame seeds (optional for topping)
How to Make Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sweetener.
- Grate the ginger and mince the garlic before adding them to the bowl.
- Chop the apple into small pieces and add them along with finely chopped green onion.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken quarters into the mixing bowl with the marinade.
- Ensure each piece is well coated by tossing them gently.
- Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Legs
- Once preheated, arrange the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook them at 380°F (193°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Kalbi Chicken Legs with rice or your favorite side dishes!
How to Serve Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer are not only flavorful but also versatile! You can serve them in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this delicious dish.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed rice is a classic side that balances the bold flavors of kalbi chicken. The fluffy texture helps soak up the savory marinade.
Korean Salad
- A fresh Korean salad, made with veggies like cucumber and carrots, adds crunch and brightness. Toss it with sesame dressing for extra flavor.
Kimchi
- Serve your kalbi chicken with kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick. This fermented side dish complements the sweetness of the marinade perfectly.
Lettuce Wraps
- Wrap pieces of kalbi chicken in lettuce leaves for a fun and interactive meal. Add rice and kimchi for a complete bite!
Pickled Vegetables
- Side pickled vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. They add a tangy flavor that cuts through the dish’s richness.
With Dipping Sauce
- A simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar can enhance each bite. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
How to Perfect Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
Perfecting Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken legs for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy skin. Set it to 400°F (200°C) before adding the chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
- Flip halfway through: Turn the chicken legs halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.
Best Side Dishes for Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
Pairing side dishes with Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Cucumber Salad: A light salad featuring fresh cucumber slices tossed in vinegar and sesame oil brings coolness to your plate.
- Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a nutritious green element that pairs well with the rich flavors of kalbi chicken.
- Garlic Fried Rice: Fluffy garlic fried rice provides hearty satisfaction alongside the tender chicken, making it a filling option.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized add sweetness that nicely contrasts with the savory chicken.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can be soothing and complements the overall meal without overpowering its flavors.
- Korean Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad mixed with vegetables is delightful and lightens up the richness of kalbi chicken legs.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn adds a charred sweetness that pairs beautifully with Korean BBQ flavors.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles tossed with vegetables make an excellent refreshing side that balances out the hot entree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.
- Skipping the Marination: Failing to marinate the chicken long enough can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many chicken legs in the air fryer at once can hinder proper cooking. Cook in batches for even crispiness and tenderness.
- Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Neglecting to preheat your air fryer may lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat for about 5 minutes before adding your chicken.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking times can vary based on size and thickness. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Forgetting to Flip: Not flipping the chicken halfway through can result in uneven browning. Turn the legs at about 12 minutes for optimal results.
- Using Low-Quality Marinade: A poor marinade can ruin your dish. Use fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic to enhance flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Kalbi Chicken Legs in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
- Place cooled chicken legs in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat; cover and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer.
How do I make Kalbi marinade?
To make Kalbi marinade, blend soy sauce, mirin, ginger, garlic, apple, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweetener, and pepper until smooth.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! While this recipe uses chicken legs, you can also try thighs or breasts with similar cooking times.
What sides pair well with Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer?
Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
How spicy is Kalbi chicken?
Kalbi chicken is not inherently spicy but can be adjusted by adding chili paste or flakes according to your heat preference.
Can I marinate overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, enhancing its taste significantly.
Final Thoughts
Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the marinade ingredients based on your taste preferences or add different spices. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. Give it a try and enjoy Korean BBQ flavors right at home!
Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
Enjoy juicy Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer with bold flavors! Quick to prepare and cook—dive into this delicious dish today!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- 6 chicken quarters
- ½ apple
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2-inch piece of ginger
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks green onion
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sweetener (such as sugar)
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sweetener. Grate ginger and mince garlic before adding them along with chopped apple and green onions.
- Add chicken quarters to marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (preferably longer).
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange marinated chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken quarter
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 121mg
