Best Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer Recipe
This Best Kalbi Chicken Legs recipe offers succulent, flavorful chicken quarters marinated in a traditional Korean-inspired kalbi sauce made with apple, soy sauce, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The chicken is air fried to a perfect golden brown, yielding crispy skin and juicy meat while keeping the process quick and convenient. This dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion meal, topped with optional sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken quarters
Kalbi Marinade
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine grated apple, minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and optional sesame seeds. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut slits into each chicken quarter to help the marinade penetrate the meat. Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Arrange the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket spaced evenly to promote good air circulation. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through to achieve a uniform golden-brown crust. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Grilling Finish: For additional smoky flavor, preheat a grill to medium heat. Grill the cooked chicken legs, turning a few times, until heated through and grill marks develop, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Cutting slits into the chicken helps the marinade penetrate deeply for more flavor.
- Marinating overnight yields the best taste but 2 hours is sufficient in a pinch.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking promotes even crispness and browning.
- Using the grill after air frying is optional and adds a smoky char flavor.
- You can substitute sugar with honey or a sugar substitute if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Kalbi Chicken Legs, Air Fryer Chicken, Korean Chicken Recipe, Kalbi Marinade, Air Fried Chicken, Korean BBQ Chicken
