Chicken Bulgogi
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 8 oz chicken thigh or breast, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Toppings & Garnishes
- Steamed greens, optional
- Sesame seeds, optional
- Scallions, optional
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes so the flavors penetrate.
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in the basket in a single layer, spooning a little of the remaining marinade over the pieces.
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Air fry for about 12 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through so they cook evenly and develop a glossy, caramelized exterior.
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Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over steamed rice. Finish with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and steamed greens if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Quick and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bulgogi
This Chicken Bulgogi is a reliable weeknight favorite: sweet, savory, and full of Korean-inspired flavor. Thin pieces of chicken are marinated in a simple soy-based mixture that caramelizes in the air fryer, producing tender meat with a glossy glaze. You can make the sauce from pantry staples, skip store-bought versions, and have a satisfying meal served over rice with steamed greens.
An Easy, Air Fryer Chicken Recipe For Any Night
While traditional bulgogi is usually grilled beef, this chicken version is perfect for busy evenings. Toss the chicken in the marinade, let it rest, and let the air fryer do the work. It heats quickly, cooks evenly, and gives a lovely caramelized edge. Finished in under 30 minutes, the result is juicy chicken with minimal effort and easy cleanup.
Ingredients for Chicken Bulgogi
Chicken & Marinade
8 oz chicken thigh or breast, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Toppings & Garnishes
Steamed greens (optional)
Sesame seeds (optional)
Scallions (optional)
How to Make Chicken Bulgogi in the Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Combine the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for about 30 minutes so the flavors develop.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the basket and spoon a little of the leftover marinade over the pieces.
Air fry for about 12 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through so they cook evenly and develop a nice glaze.
Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over hot steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and add steamed greens if you want extra vegetables.
Why This Chicken Bulgogi Is So Flavorful
The marinade is the key: salty soy sauce, brown sugar for caramelization, garlic for punch, and sesame oil for a nutty finish. In the air fryer this mixture turns into a glossy coating that tastes richly developed without long hands-on time. You can easily adjust the sweetness or saltiness to match your taste.
Why I Stopped Buying Store-Bought Bulgogi Sauce
Making the sauce fresh is cheaper, fresher, and easier to customize than buying a bottled version that often goes unused. Whisking a quick marinade lets you control sweetness, garlic, and any heat you want to add, and it tastes better straight away.
Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Works Best?
For small batches, the air fryer is ideal: it preheats quickly and gives a nice caramelized edge. If you don’t have an air fryer or are cooking larger quantities, roast the marinated chicken on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. The oven works well, though the edges may be slightly less crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast works fine; watch the cook time to avoid drying it out. Thighs stay juicier, but both are good choices.
What is Shaoxing wine and can I substitute it?
Shao xing wine is a Chinese rice wine that adds depth and a touch of sweetness. You can substitute dry sherry, mirin, or omit it if needed—flavor will still be excellent.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes. Flip halfway through cooking so the pieces brown and caramelize evenly on both sides.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Thirty minutes is sufficient, but you can marinate up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.
More Recipes to Try Next
If you enjoyed this recipe, try other simple dinners like miso-glazed chicken, char siu chicken, or creamy kimchi noodles for different flavors and textures.