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Kalbi Marinaded Chicken Legs in Air Fryer Recipe

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5 from 81 reviews

Deliciously tender and flavorful Kalbi Chicken Legs prepared in an air fryer for a quick and easy Korean-inspired meal. The chicken legs are marinated in a sweet and savory Kalbi sauce featuring soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, and apple, then air fried to perfection with a crispy outside and juicy inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 Chicken quarters (legs and thighs)

Kalbi Marinade

  • ½ apple, peeled and chopped
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • 2 inches ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 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 or food processor, combine the chopped apple, soy sauce, mirin, ginger, garlic, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the Kalbi marinade sauce.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken quarters in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the Kalbi marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes to prepare for cooking.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken quarters in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors of the Kalbi sauce for best results.
  • Adjust the sweetness in the marinade by using honey or a sugar substitute if preferred.
  • If you don’t have mirin, a combination of white wine and sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and crisping.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.