Make Awesome Crispy Korean Fried Chicken
Introduction
Crispy Korean Fried Chicken is beloved for its juicy interior, crackling golden crust, and signature sweet-spicy glaze. Unlike Western-style fried chicken, the Korean version is double-fried for maximal crunch and tossed or brushed with a sauce that layers on irresistible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a satisfying centerpiece for your table, making this iconic dish at home ensures each bite is freshly crispy and deeply flavorful.
Why Korean Fried Chicken is Unforgettable
The trademark goodness comes from a few special steps. Double-frying renders the chicken extra crisp, while the glaze—typically a blend of gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy, honey, and garlic—adds the perfect punch. It’s an all-occasion dish that pairs beautifully with cold drinks and draws raves from first-timers and fans alike.
Essential Preparation Tips
Get your chicken ultracrispy with the right method and equipment. Start by dredging the pieces in potato starch or cornstarch, offering a lighter, shatteringly crisp crust. To keep the prep mess-free and organized, chop your garlic, scallions, and ginger using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform results.
For the frying step, choose a roomy, heavy skillet. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch conducts heat evenly and is just the right diameter for a batch of wings or drumettes, ensuring every piece cooks to perfection.
Mastering the Signature Double-Fry
Heat oil to precisely 350°F for the first fry—use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to ensure optimal temperature, which prevents greasy chicken and guarantees that golden crunch. After the first fry, let the chicken rest briefly before returning it to the oil for a blistering, ultra-crisp second fry.
If you’re looking to cut down on oil, you can also get excellent results with an air fryer. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt produces crunchy, lighter wings with less mess—just coat your pieces lightly with oil spray, and be sure not to crowd the basket.
Tossing in the Addictive Korean Sauce
While the chicken cools, whip up the sticky, glossy sauce. Blend your aromatics and sauce ingredients until velvety using a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a perfectly emulsified glaze. Warm the sauce just until it shimmers before tossing the fried chicken so the coating adheres fully to every nook and cranny.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your crispy Korean fried chicken piled high on a large platter, garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for an authentic look. Pair with pickled radishes, a chilled Korean lager, or sparkling water for balance. For easy storage of leftovers (if there are any!), use Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep your chicken fresh and ready for snacking.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, with each portion (including the sauce) averaging 450–550 calories depending on cut and cooking method. For a lighter version, opt for the air-fried method and go lighter on the glaze.
Awesome Crispy Korean Fried Chicken (Recap)
Double-fried and explosively flavorful, Korean fried chicken brings together the best of crunch, savoriness, and spicy-sweet heat. Equipped with smart tools, every home cook can master this crowd-pleaser and elevate any gathering or mealtime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken thoroughly in potato starch. Shake off excess. Set on a tray lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to prevent sticking.
- For deep frying: Pour oil into SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet to 1½-inch depth and heat to 350°F. For air frying: Preheat COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 400°F and line basket with air fryer-safe parchment if desired.
- Fry chicken (in batches as needed) for 7–8 minutes (deep fryer) or 15 minutes (air fryer), turning once. Remove, rest briefly, and return (or reset air fryer) for 2–3 more minutes until deeply golden and crisp.
- Meanwhile, blend or whisk all sauce ingredients (gochujang, soy, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger) until combined. Warm until glossy in a small saucepan or blend using a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a silky finish.
- Toss hot chicken in the sauce until thoroughly coated. Serve topped with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Enjoy the surging crunch and unforgettable flavor of homemade crispy Korean fried chicken—no takeout menu required!
