Kalbi Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Quarters Recipe
Delicious Kalbi Chicken Legs marinated in a savory Korean-inspired sauce, air fried to perfection for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, then finished on the grill for an authentic smoky flavor. This recipe combines the sweetness of apple and mirin with the umami of soy sauce and sesame oil, delivering a mouthwatering meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 Chicken quarters
Kalbi Marinade
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine grated apple, minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, pepper, and sesame seeds. Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut slits into the chicken quarters to allow the marinade to penetrate better. Place the chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade letting excess drip off. Arrange the chicken quarters in the air fryer basket with space between each piece. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Grill the Chicken Legs: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Transfer the air-fried chicken legs to the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and a smoky flavor develops, confirming the internal temperature remains at 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- You can substitute sugar with honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety.
- If you don’t have a grill, finishing under a broiler can add similar caramelization.
- Remove chicken from marinade carefully to avoid excess dripping that can cause smoke in the air fryer.
Keywords: kalbi chicken legs, air fryer chicken, Korean chicken recipe, marinated chicken, grilled chicken legs
