Are you craving the delicious crunch of Asian fried chicken but want a healthier alternative? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! With its ability to cook food with little to no oil, the air fryer is the perfect tool for creating crispy and flavorful fried chicken. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the crunchiest Asian fried chicken using your air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure that the chicken gets crispy in the air fryer. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Create the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed.
Coat and Cook the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Serve your crunchy Asian fried chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Now you can enjoy the irresistible crunch of Asian fried chicken without the guilt! With the help of your air fryer, you can indulge in this classic dish with a healthier twist. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
