Name: Kalbi Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Quarters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 Chicken quarters; ½ apple, grated; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup mirin; 2 inches ginger, minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sweetener (sugar recommended); 1 tsp black pepper; Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

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Introduction

Kalbi chicken legs bring the rich, savory flavors of Korean BBQ right to your kitchen with the convenience of an air fryer. This recipe combines a sweet and tangy marinade with tender chicken quarters that cook to juicy perfection. It’s a delicious meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.

The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. It features two grilled chicken legs with a shiny, deep red and charred crispy skin that shows a mix of dark brown and black grill marks. Next to the chicken is a rounded mound of white rice topped with a few black sesame seeds and small green onion pieces. Surrounding the rice and chicken are small diced pieces of green cucumber sprinkled lightly with red chili flakes. The textures range from the glossy, slightly burnt chicken skin to the soft, fluffy rice and fresh, crunchy cucumber pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 chicken quarters
½ apple, grated
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup mirin
2” ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks green onion, chopped
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sweetener (such as sugar)
1 tsp pepper
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a blender, combine grated apple, minced ginger, garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, pepper, and sesame seeds. Blend until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Cut slits into the chicken quarters. Place them in a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure each piece is well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up.
Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Arrange chicken pieces in the air fryer basket with space between them. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional grilling: For an extra charred flavor, preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the chicken, turning frequently, until fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
Serve: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a food processor or blender to finely grate the apple for a smooth marinade.
Marinate overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.
For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete Korean-inspired meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. The raw marinated chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with three main parts: two grilled chicken legs on the left with a shiny, reddish-brown glaze and some black char marks on the skin, a mound of white rice with a few black sesame seeds sprinkled on top placed on the right side, and a border of chopped green zucchini cubes with bits of red seasoning spread around the plate edges. The chicken pieces are stacked close together, with the rice shaped in a rounded dome beside them, and the zucchini pieces scattered loosely around the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of quarters?

Yes, chicken thighs work great with this marinade and air fryer method. Cooking times may be slightly shorter, so check for doneness earlier.

Do I need to grill the chicken after air frying?

Grilling is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor and extra crispness. The chicken is fully cooked and delicious straight from the air fryer.