Crispy Golden Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 lb skin-on chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks, see note 1
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp gochujang
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooking oil spray
Optional Garnishes
- Green lettuce
- Red onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cut your skin-on chicken thighs into one-inch chunks.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with sesame oil, salt, white pepper, garlic, ginger, gochujang, turmeric, and paprika. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- After marinating, toss your chicken with cornstarch and mix until evenly coated.
- Spray your air fryer basket with oil, place the chicken in a single layer, and spray again with more oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve your chicken over a bed of fresh rice.
- Optionally top with green lettuce and sliced red onions
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Makes Crispy Golden Chicken So Good
If you’re looking for an ultra-crispy chicken recipe that doesn’t require deep frying, this Crispy Golden Chicken is your go-to. These skin-on chicken thighs are infused with bold, savory Asian flavors, thanks to a punchy marinade of garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and gochujang. The real magic happens in the air fryer, where a cornstarch coating crisps up into golden, crunchy perfection, without the mess or heaviness of traditional frying. The addition of turmeric and paprika gives each piece that beautiful golden hue and a subtle warmth that sets this dish apart. It’s crispy, juicy, and totally addictive.
Why Crispy Golden Chicken Is The Perfect Weeknight Fix
This air fryer chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep. With just 15 minutes of marinating time and under 15 minutes of cooking, you get a restaurant-quality crispy chicken dish that’s healthier and easier to make than takeout. Serve it over a bowl of steamed rice, toss it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with roasted veggies for a complete Asian-inspired dinner. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free and packed with flavor, making it ideal for picky eaters or meal prep lunches. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this crispy golden chicken hits the spot every time.
What You Need To Make Crispy Golden Chicken
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb skin-on chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp gochujang
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooking oil spray
Optional Garnishes
- Green lettuce
- Sliced red onions
How To Make Crispy Golden Chicken
Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks.
Marinate with sesame oil, salt, white pepper, garlic, ginger, gochujang, turmeric, and paprika for 15 minutes.
Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Spray air fryer basket, arrange chicken in a single layer, and spray again.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve over fresh rice with optional lettuce and red onion garnish.
Tips And Variations
• Use Skin-On Thighs: The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and adds extra flavor!
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or more gochujang if you want more heat.
• Crispier Finish: Flip the chicken halfway and spray again for max crispiness.
• Meal Prep Ready: Cook once, eat twice! This holds up well for next-day reheating.
• Serving Ideas: Great in lettuce wraps, over salad, or tucked into a sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, but you’ll lose the extra crisp and rich flavor from the skin. For full flavor, stick with skin-on.
Is Gochujang Necessary?
It’s highly recommended for depth and umami, but if you’re out, a mix of chili garlic sauce and miso can work as a sub.
Can I Bake This Instead?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes. It won’t be as crispy as air frying but will still taste great.
What Should I Serve It With?
Steamed rice, a side of roasted veggies, or a quick cucumber salad all pair well. Try it in lettuce wraps too.
Does It Reheat Well?
Absolutely. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 375°F for best results. Still delicious the next day.
Try These Next
Try my Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken for another air fryer-friendly meal.
Make my Crispy Teriyaki Chicken if you want another meal prep idea!
Check out my Beef Onion Stir Fry if you’re craving something flavorful and beefy.
