Name: Best Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 chicken quarters; ½ apple, grated; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup mirin; 2 inches ginger, minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar (or preferred sweetener); 1 teaspoon black pepper; Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Kalbi chicken legs are a flavorful twist on a classic Korean favorite. This recipe uses a delicious homemade marinade and an air fryer to create tender, juicy chicken with a perfect caramelized finish. It’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality kalbi at home.

A white plate holds three pieces of grilled chicken with a deep orange-red color and charred black edges, showing a crispy texture from the grilling. The chicken pieces have clear grill marks and a glossy, juicy surface with some darker, almost blackened spots, suggesting they are well-cooked and flavorful. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered around the chicken as a fresh garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to highlight the rich colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 chicken quarters
½ apple, grated
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup mirin
2″ piece of ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sweetener (such as sugar)
1 teaspoon pepper
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade by combining grated apple, minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, pepper, and sesame seeds in a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Cut small slits into each chicken quarter to allow the marinade to penetrate.
Step 3: Place the chicken quarters in a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Arrange the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
Step 6: Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: (Optional) For extra smoky flavor, preheat a grill to medium heat and grill the cooked chicken legs, turning occasionally, until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavor.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra nuttiness.
Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete Korean-inspired meal.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway.

Storage

Store leftover kalbi chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the skin crispy.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two pieces of grilled chicken legs with a glossy, dark reddish-brown glaze and charred marks, showing a juicy, slightly crispy texture. Next to the chicken, there is a mound of steamed white rice sprinkled with black sesame seeds for contrast. Scattered around the rice and chicken are small cubes of green cucumber with some light seasoning. In the background, a wooden bowl and a fork on a pale pink cloth are partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of quarters?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they will cook faster than bone-in quarters.

Is mirin necessary in the marinade?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth, but if unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and a bit more sugar or honey.