If you're craving something bold, savory, and just a little spicy, these Air Fryer Gochujang Chicken Thighs are going to hit the spot.
Juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful gochujang chicken marinade, then air fried to crispy perfection. This gochujang chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
What is Gochujang Chicken Thighs?
Gochujang chicken is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish that uses gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, as the star ingredient. It’s known for its spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply umami flavor.
In this gochujang chicken recipe, the marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, while the air fryer gives it that irresistible crispy edge.
Combine it with a few pantry staples and you’ve got yourself an easy, addictive air fryer gochujang chicken that’s great over rice, in lettuce wraps, or on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Chicken Recipe
- Easy to make: All you need is a quick marinade, an air fryer, and about 15 minutes of cooking time.
- Packed with flavor: The gochujang chicken marinade is rich, spicy, slightly sweet, and loaded with umami.
- Super versatile: Serve it with rice, wrap it in lettuce, or pair it with noodles or roasted veggies.
- Minimal cleanup: The air fryer keeps everything mess-free and fast.
If you like this recipe, check out my Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken and Honey Sesame Chicken (Cooked in the Air Fryer)!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender, these are ideal for air frying.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of fresh, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- Gochujang: This spicy-sweet Korean chili paste gives the chicken its signature kick.
- Gochugaru: Korean red pepper flakes that add a bit more heat and depth.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami base to the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Nutty and fragrant, it rounds out the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste.
- Light soy sauce (for sauce): Keeps the sauce well-balanced and flavorful without overpowering.
- Water (for sauce): Loosens the sauce if needed so it’s drizzle-ready.
Customizations
- If you don't have an air fryer, cook the chicken on the stove in a pan (about 5-6 mins on each side) or bake them in the oven (400F for 25-30 mins)
- Swap out chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cook time slightly to avoid drying out.
- Add some sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for a bit of freshness and crunch.
- Toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy to turn it into a full meal bowl.
How to Make Gochujang Chicken Thighs (Cooked in the Air Fryer)
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, minced garlic, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Mix everything well so the chicken is fully coated.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you’ve got time for even more flavor.
Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 425°F for a few minutes. Place chicken thighs in the basket without overcrowding (you might need to cook in batches).
Air fry for 11–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should hit at least 165°F.
Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, stir together light soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a bit of water to loosen the sauce.
Serve It Up
Serve your air fryer gochujang chicken thighs over fluffy white rice with your favorite veggies. Drizzle that sauce right over the top for maximum flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade: It’s what brings all the bold flavor to your gochujang chicken thighs.
- Preheat your air fryer: A hot air fryer helps the chicken thighs brown better and cook evenly.
- Flip halfway through: This ensures both sides get that nice golden color and crisp edge.
Gochujang Chicken Thighs (Cooked in the Air Fryer)
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2.5 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru korean hot pepper powder
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Gochujang Sauce
- 3 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon gochujang
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoon water to loosen sauce if needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add chicken thighs, minced garlic, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Marinate for 30 mins or overnight preferred.
- Preheat air fryer to 425F for a few mins. Add chicken thighs (don’t overcrowd and cook in batches as needed) and air fry for 11-14 mins, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165F or more)
- While the chicken is cooking, combine all the sauce ingredients in a cup or bowl and set aside.
- Serve chicken with fluffy white rice, veggies, and other sides you desire. Pour gochujang sauce on top of the chicken for extra flavor.
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