Dinner

Best Kalbi Chicken Legs Recipe in Air Fryer Recipe

Name: Best Kalbi Chicken Legs Recipe in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 Chicken quarters (legs and thighs); ½ apple, grated; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup mirin; 2 inches fresh ginger, minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar (or preferred sweetener); 1 teaspoon black pepper; Sesame seeds, optional for topping

ByMaya bella October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

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Introduction

This Best Kalbi Chicken Legs recipe brings the rich, savory flavors of Korean BBQ right to your air fryer. Tender chicken quarters are marinated in a deliciously sweet and tangy kalbi sauce, then cooked to perfection with minimal effort. It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

The image shows a white plate with two grilled chicken legs on the left side, covered in a shiny red and dark brown barbecue sauce with charred spots. To the right of the chicken is a neat mound of white rice topped lightly with black sesame seeds. In front of the chicken and rice are small cubes of green cucumber tossed with light red chili flakes. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred wooden bowl and a pink cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 chicken quarters
½ apple
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup mirin
2 inches fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic
2 stalks green onion
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sweetener (sugar recommended)
1 teaspoon pepper
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade by combining grated apple, minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, pepper, and sesame seeds in a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Cut slits into the chicken quarters to help the marinade penetrate.
Step 3: Place the chicken into a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and arrange the pieces in the air fryer basket with space between them.
Step 6: Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7 (Optional): For extra smoky flavor, preheat a grill over medium heat and finish cooking the chicken, turning regularly until fully cooked through.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight if you have time for deeper, richer flavor.
Use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative to sugar.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete Korean-inspired meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to preserve the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows two grilled chicken leg quarters with a shiny, reddish-brown glaze and charred edges placed side by side on the upper left of a white plate. To the right of the chicken is a mound of white rice shaped like a rounded dome, topped with a few black sesame seeds. Around the rice and chicken are scattered pieces of chopped green cucumber with bits of chili flakes. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a wooden pepper grinder and salt shaker blurred in the background and a metal fork near a pink cloth in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of quarters?

Yes, chicken thighs work well with this marinade and cook slightly faster in the air fryer. Adjust cooking time accordingly and always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What if I don’t have mirin?

You can substitute mirin with a mix of rice vinegar and a little sugar or honey to replicate the sweetness and acidity. Apple juice can also be an alternative if you want a milder flavor.