Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

You will love this easy Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer recipe. It combines bold Korean barbecue flavors with juicy marinated chicken legs, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This dish is not only simple but also quick to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this kalbi chicken is a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Bold Flavors: The kalbi marinade infuses the chicken with rich, savory tastes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
• Healthy Cooking Method: The air fryer cooks the chicken to crispy perfection using less oil than traditional frying methods.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, in wraps, or over rice for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and savory notes appeal to both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners or parties.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delectable dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This innovative appliance cooks the chicken evenly while producing a crispy outer layer without excessive oil.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the marinade ingredients effectively before marinating the chicken.
• Measuring cups: Ensure precision when adding ingredients, which is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

This recipe features an array of flavorful ingredients that come together to create mouthwatering kalbi chicken legs.

For the Chicken

• 6 Chicken quarters

For the Marinade

• ½ apple
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup mirin (substitute with rice vinegar if needed)
• 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

Optional Topping

• Sesame Seeds (for topping)

How to Make Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sweetener.
2. Grate the ginger and mince the garlic; add them to the bowl along with finely chopped green onions and apple.
3. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken quarters into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Arrange the marinated chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
3. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top during the last few minutes of cooking for added crunch.

Enjoy your delicious Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer, perfect for any meal!

How to Serve Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

Serving Kalbi Chicken Legs can elevate your meal experience, showcasing the bold flavors of Korean barbecue. Here are some delicious ideas to enhance your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Pair your Kalbi chicken with fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice soaks up the savory marinade, making every bite delightful.

On a Bed of Salad

• Serve the chicken legs on a fresh salad. Use mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

With Kimchi

• Add a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean experience. The spicy and tangy flavors of kimchi complement the sweet marinated chicken perfectly.

Wrapped in Lettuce

• For a fun twist, wrap pieces of chicken in lettuce leaves. This low-carb option allows you to enjoy the flavors without extra calories.

With Dipping Sauce

• Prepare a simple dipping sauce using soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onion. This adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances each bite.

How to Perfect Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

To achieve perfectly cooked Kalbi Chicken Legs in your air fryer, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and crispy skin.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure all pieces get enough air circulation.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Check on your chicken halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

Pairing side dishes with your Kalbi Chicken enhances the meal’s flavor profile and creates a balanced plate. Here are some excellent suggestions.

1. Garlic Fried Rice: A fragrant option made by stir-frying leftover rice with garlic and vegetables.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini tossed with olive oil and grilled until tender.
3. Cucumber Salad: A light salad featuring sliced cucumbers, sesame oil, vinegar, and sesame seeds for crunch.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds comforting flavors that complement the main dish well.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned lightly can add sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory chicken.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing pairs well with rich meats like kalbi chicken.
7. Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich quinoa salad with herbs and lemon juice provides a nutritious balance alongside chicken legs.
8. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective; steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients to your plate while balancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is key to making the best Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not marinating long enough: Marinating your chicken legs for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor. For even better results, try marinating overnight.
• Using the wrong temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for 375°F (190°C) for perfectly cooked chicken legs.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many chicken legs at once can prevent proper airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping oil: While air fryers require less oil, a light coating helps achieve a crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step!
• Ignoring rest time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juiciness and allows flavors to settle. Wait at least 5 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Kalbi Chicken Legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

• Freeze cooled chicken legs in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer:

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of quarters if you prefer.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Absolutely! Substitute with coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer?

Pair these delicious legs with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer is an easy and flavorful dish that brings Korean BBQ right into your home kitchen. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different marinades or sides. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Enjoy juicy and flavorful Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer ready in just 30 minutes! Try this quick recipe today for a delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 Chicken quarters
• ½ Apple
• ¼ cup Soy sauce
• ¼ cup Rice vinegar
• 2 inches Ginger
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 stalks Green onion
• 2 tbsp Sesame oil
• 2 tbsp Sweetener (such as sugar)
• 1 tsp Pepper
• Optional: Sesame seeds for topping

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweetener, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, and apple. Mix well.
2. Place chicken quarters in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Ensure they are well-coated and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight).
3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Arrange marinated chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 380°F (190°C) for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Optionally sprinkle sesame seeds during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 105mg