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Kalbi Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer Recipe

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4.3 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Description

Kalbi Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer are juicy, tender chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired marinade. The air fryer creates beautifully caramelized, crispy edges while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful, making for a quick and delicious Korean BBQ-style dinner at home.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lb chicken drumsticks

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 Asian pear or apple, finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

To Garnish

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated pear, and black pepper until thoroughly combined to create the flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure the cooking temperature is optimal for crisping and caramelizing the chicken.
  4. Prepare Chicken for Air Frying: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid to avoid sogginess. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow hot air circulation.
  5. Air Fry Chicken: Cook the chicken legs for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
  6. Finish Cooking: If you reserved any marinade separately (not used on raw chicken), brush it onto the drumsticks during the final few minutes of cooking for extra glaze and flavor. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is nicely caramelized.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. This pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, kimchi, or a fresh Asian cucumber salad.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • The grated Asian pear acts as a natural tenderizer and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Keep a close eye near the end of cooking time to prevent the marinade’s sugar from burning.
  • Serve with traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi or steamed rice for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/kalbi-chicken-legs-in-the-air-fryer-recipe/