Live out your K-Drama mukbang dreams with this Korean Sticky Gochujang Chicken Thigh Recipe made easy in an air fryer!
Whether or not you think they're a trend, you can't deny that air fryers make home cooking fast and simple. They can cook foods that a regular oven can—faster, better, all in one powerfully small package. Really!
We developed this Korean chicken thigh recipe in our new Smart Oven Air Fryer from Breville Philippines, their award-winning Smart Oven with a new dedicated Air Fry function. Higher temperatures plus faster convection airflow crisp up the gochujang-glazed chicken skin with nicely charred edges. Pair it with hot rice and your favorite kimchi for an easy, fuss-free weekday lunch.
You don't need the same Breville air fryer to make this recipe—it will work with whatever model you have.
The biggest difference between Breville's and most air fryers is its microwave-like size, which can cook more food at a time. Smaller egg-shaped air fryers, with its limited cooking area, will either need to half this recipe or cook the chicken in two batches.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken: bigger cuts will need a few minutes more than smaller cuts. If you have an instant-read thermometer, your chicken will be done with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Marinate chicken: Combine gochujang, grated garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, garlic, rice syrup, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and mix thoroughly until chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for 30 minutes, or store covered in the refrigerator overnight.
Prepare for cooking: If using a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer or another model that requires preheating, preheat to 180°C or 350°F.
Air fry chicken: Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up. Air fry until chicken is cooked through and a nice char forms on the skin, about 20–30 minutes. Serve chicken thighs warm over hot rice or noodles.
