There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, and these Gochujang Chicken Thighs are exactly that. Marinated in a rich, spicy-sweet Korean gochujang sauce, these air-fried chicken thighs come out juicy on the inside with a perfectly crisp exterior.
Gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its deep umami flavor with a balance of spice, sweetness, and a touch of tang. This dish is inspired by traditional Korean flavors but made with a quick and easy method—the air fryer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Serve these chicken thighs with steamed rice, a simple cucumber salad, or some crisp lettuce wraps for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re new to gochujang or already a fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you crispy, flavorful chicken in under 30 minutes.
- Big, Bold Flavors – Gochujang brings a unique blend of spice, sweetness, and umami that makes every bite delicious.
- Healthier Alternative – No deep frying needed! You get crispy chicken without the extra oil.
- Versatile Meal – Serve it with rice, in tacos, over noodles, or even in a salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Gochujang Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade has a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and umami, ensuring that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this helps the marinade stick better. Add them to the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) will deepen the flavors even more.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and gets that nice crispiness on the outside.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Skip the Marinade Time – The longer you let the chicken sit in the marinade, the better the flavors will be.
- Check for Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust the Spice – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the gochujang slightly and add more honey. If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Crispier Skin Tip – If you want even crispier skin, you can cook the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) at the end.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
Notes
- This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs too. Just reduce the cooking time to 12-15 minutes total.
- Leftover chicken can be used in rice bowls, wraps, or even chopped into a salad for an easy next-day meal.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! If using chicken breasts, adjust the cook time to 15-18 minutes at 375°F, depending on thickness. Since chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, you may want to marinate them a little longer.
Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a moderate spice level, but it’s also slightly sweet and savory. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can use less gochujang and add a bit more honey or soy sauce to balance it out.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp it up again.
What should I serve with gochujang chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair wonderfully with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Kimchi or pickled vegetables
- Sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Related Recipes
If you loved this gochujang chicken, try these other delicious dishes:
Conclusion
Gochujang Chicken Thighs in the air fryer are the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory with a crispy skin and juicy center. This easy recipe is great for busy nights when you want big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with rice, in wraps, or as part of a Korean-inspired meal, this dish is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
So, grab that jar of gochujang and give this easy air fryer recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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Gochujang Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer)
Description
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, and these Gochujang Chicken Thighs are exactly that. Marinated in a rich, spicy-sweet Korean gochujang sauce, these air-fried chicken thighs come out juicy on the inside with a perfectly crisp exterior.
Gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its deep umami flavor with a balance of spice, sweetness, and a touch of tang. This dish is inspired by traditional Korean flavors but made with a quick and easy method—the air fryer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Serve these chicken thighs with steamed rice, a simple cucumber salad, or some crisp lettuce wraps for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re new to gochujang or already a fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade has a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and umami, ensuring that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this helps the marinade stick better. Add them to the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) will deepen the flavors even more.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and gets that nice crispiness on the outside.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
- This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs too. Just reduce the cooking time to 12-15 minutes total.
- Leftover chicken can be used in rice bowls, wraps, or even chopped into a salad for an easy next-day meal.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.