Pin it
The first time I made these gochujang chicken thighs, my kitchen filled with an aroma so enticing that my teenager emerged from his room without being called for dinner. The sweet-spicy-umami marinade caramelizes in the air fryer, creating chicken that is juicy inside with a sticky, flavorful exterior.
My brother-in-law, who usually prefers plain meats, asked for the recipe after tasting this. 'I never knew chicken thighs could taste like this,' he said, reaching for his third piece. That's the magic of gochujang—transforming an inexpensive cut into something special.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Choose evenly sized thighs for consistent cooking. Leave a bit of fat for juiciness.
- Gochujang Paste: This Korean chili paste is the star ingredient. Start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste. Chung Jung One and Mother-in-Law's brands are reliable.
- Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that balances spice. If unavailable, substitute 1 tbsp rice vinegar mixed with 2 tsp sugar.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor. Pearl River Bridge and Kikkoman are excellent choices.
- Honey: Sweetness helps the marinade caramelize. Maple syrup is a great alternative.
Pin it
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Creating the Perfect Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp avocado oil, 2-3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. The mixture should be thick and slightly glossy.
- Marinating the Chicken
- Pat 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry. Place in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Air Frying to Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cooking Process
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until caramelized and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The Versatility Factor
This marinade works beautifully with pork chops, tofu, or even salmon. Adjust cooking times as needed based on protein choice.
Make It Your Own
- For a citrus twist, add zest and juice of one orange to the marinade.
- For extra smokiness, add ½ tsp smoked paprika.
- For a milder version, reduce gochujang to 1 tbsp and increase honey slightly.
You Must Know
- Gochujang can stain plastic containers, so use glass or ceramic dishes when marinating.
- Don't skip preheating—the air fryer needs to be hot for proper caramelization.
- The dark caramelization on the chicken isn't burning—it's flavor development.
- Leftovers are amazing in sandwiches or salads the next day.
Chef’s Essential Tips
- Even cooking: If your chicken thighs have uneven thickness, lightly pound them to ensure even cooking.
- Flavor boost: Brush cooked chicken with a quick glaze made by reducing extra (unused) marinade with 1 tbsp water.
- Complete meal: Toss vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers in the air fryer for the last 5-7 minutes.
- Perfect leftovers: Shred leftover chicken and crisp in a skillet for incredible tacos with pickled onions and lime crema.
My first attempt at this recipe came from experimenting with a jar of gochujang I had on hand. It was such a hit that my family now requests it weekly. What started as a simple weeknight dinner has become one of our favorite meals, proving that great food can come from unexpected kitchen experiments.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is gochujang and where can I find it?
- Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that's sweet, spicy, and savory. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, the international aisle of many supermarkets, or online.
- → Can I substitute gochujang with another ingredient?
- While the unique flavor of gochujang is hard to replicate, you could use a mixture of sriracha and miso paste with a touch of honey as a substitute in a pinch.
- → Can I make this recipe if I don't have an air fryer?
- Yes! You can bake these chicken thighs in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → Is gochujang chicken very spicy?
- The spice level is moderate. You can adjust by using less gochujang for a milder version or adding Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for more heat.
- → What sides go well with gochujang chicken thighs?
- Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, quick pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete Korean-inspired meal.