If you’re looking for a crispy, crunchy treat with a little kick, then these Crispy Korean Chicken Tenders will be your new favorite! With a crispy coating, juicy chicken strips, and a sweet yet spicy Korean sauce, these tenders are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The air fryer makes them so easy and quick to prepare without compromising on flavor. Plus, when paired with a creamy kimchi mayo, you’ll have a taste explosion in every bite!
Method
To start making your Crispy Korean Chicken Tenders, the first step is to prepare the chicken. Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into thick strips. Place the chicken strips in a large bowl and add in your seasonings onion granules, garlic granules, gochugaru, paprika, and salt. Mix everything well to ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. This is a crucial step as it’s the foundation of the flavor in your chicken.
Next, you’ll set up your dredging station. Take each chicken strip, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with crushed cornflakes. Be sure to press the cornflakes onto the chicken to get an even and thick coating. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken strips, making sure each piece is well-coated and ready for the air fryer.
Once all the chicken is coated, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the tray with some oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. After the air fryer is heated, carefully arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space between the pieces for the hot air to circulate and crisp them up. Set the air fryer to cook for 16 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the Korean sauce. In a frying pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute. Then, pour in the soy sauce, add the dark brown sugar, and stir in the gochujang paste. Stir the sauce well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. After it reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
When your air fryer beeps, check the chicken tenders to ensure they’re cooked through. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If everything looks perfect, carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer. Now it’s time to coat the chicken in the delicious Korean sauce you made earlier. Dip or roll each chicken strip into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the chicken tenders with freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve your Crispy Korean Chicken Tenders with kimchi mayo for a creamy, tangy complement to the spicy chicken. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Bowl for mixing the chicken and seasonings
- Shallow bowls for the eggs and crushed cornflakes
- Frying pan for making the sauce
- Tongs or spatula for flipping the chicken
- Knife and chopping board
Crispy Korean Chicken Tenders: A Flavorful Fiesta!
Cuisine: Korean, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes16
minutes26
minutesIngredients
400g Chicken breast, cut into thick strips
1/4 tsp of each: onion granules, garlic granules, gochugaru, paprika, and salt
For dredging:
Corn flakes, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
For the sauce:
1 tbsp Sesame oil
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup Soy sauce
2 tbsp Gochujang paste
3 tbsp Dark brown sugar
Garnish:
Fresh coriander, finely chopped
Sesame seeds
Directions
- Start by adding your chicken strips into a large bowl. Mix in the onion granules, garlic granules, gochugaru, paprika, and salt. Make sure each piece is coated well with the seasoning.
- Next, prepare the dredging station! Take one chicken strip, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with crushed cornflakes. Repeat this with the rest of the chicken strips.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the tray with a bit of oil. Once heated, arrange your chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 16 minutes, turning halfway through for that perfect crispy texture.
- While the chicken is cooking, let’s make that irresistible Korean sauce! In a pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant. Then add the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and Gochujang paste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken up nicely. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
- When the air fryer beeps, check that your chicken is cooked through and crispy. Carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer and dip or roll them in the sweet and spicy sauce you just made. Garnish with fresh coriander and sesame seeds, and serve with kimchi mayo for an extra flavorful punch!
Notes
- Air fryer tip: Make sure to check the chicken halfway through cooking to avoid over-crisping or burning. All air fryers are a little different, so cooking times may vary.
- Coating: For an even crispier coating, ensure that the chicken strips are well-coated in both the egg wash and cornflakes. Don’t be afraid to press down on the cornflakes to help them stick.
- Sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tiny splash of water to loosen it up. On the other hand, if it’s too runny, simmer it a little longer to reach the desired thickness.
Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Korean Chicken Tenders are perfect for pairing with a side of steamed rice or crispy fried noodles for a complete meal. You could also serve them with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables to balance the spice. For an extra twist, enjoy them with a cool and creamy kimchi mayo dip or spicy sriracha mayo. They’re perfect as a party snack or a fun family dinner!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Gochujang, the key ingredient in this recipe, is a Korean chili paste that adds a bold, smoky flavor to dishes? It’s made from fermented soybeans, rice, and chili powder – giving your food that spicy kick with a touch of sweetness!
Conclusion
These Crispy Korean Chicken Tenders are the perfect mix of crunchy, tender, and spicy goodness. Made with a simple yet flavorful sauce, they’re an easy and fun dish that will please everyone. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or pairing them with a meal, they’re sure to be a hit. Grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy these delicious chicken tenders in no time! Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
