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Best Kalbi Chicken Legs Recipe in Air Fryer Recipe

Best Kalbi Chicken Legs Recipe in Air Fryer Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

This Best Kalbi Chicken Legs Recipe made in an air fryer delivers tender, flavorful chicken quarters marinated in a traditional Korean-inspired kalbi sauce. The marinade combines the sweetness of apple and sugar with the umami of soy sauce and mirin, complemented by aromatic ginger, garlic, and green onions. Cooking in the air fryer ensures crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal oil, making it a quick and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 chicken quarters (legs)

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

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine the 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 combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Make small slits in the chicken quarters to help the marinade penetrate. Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Arrange the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, allowing air circulation. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Optional Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Transfer the air-fried chicken to the grill and cook, turning occasionally, to fully develop smoky char and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving hot.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor significantly.
  • Make sure to check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
  • If you don’t have mirin, a sweet rice wine or substitute with a little extra sugar and rice vinegar can be used.
  • Grilling after air frying is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor and extra crispness.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aromatic profile.
  • Adjust sweetness according to your preference by varying the sugar or sweetener amount.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kalbi chicken legs, Korean chicken recipe, air fryer chicken, marinated chicken legs, easy Korean BBQ chicken

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