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Healthy Korean Fried Chicken

A crispy, juicy twist on traditional Korean fried chicken that's healthier and perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless For a healthier twist
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch To give that extra crunch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Cooking and Garnish
  • Cooking oil For air frying or minimal pan frying
  • Sesame seeds and green onions For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to achieve crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Making the Coating
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and cornstarch for a crunchy coating.
Coating the Chicken
  1. Dip each seasoned chicken thigh into the flour mixture, ensuring it's completely covered. Shake off any excess.
Making the Sauce
  1. Mix together the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (or maple syrup) in a small bowl.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For skillet frying, add a splash of oil and pan-fry for around 7-10 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Tossing in Sauce and Serving
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the prepared sauce until fully coated and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize by reducing gochujang or substituting with a milder sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use the oven for that nice crisp!