Korean Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 Chicken breast (Medium breast, cut into bite-size pieces)
• 2 Eggs (Beaten)
• 0.5 cup Cornflakes (Crushed or lightly broken; quantity estimated because the source does not specify an amount)
• 1 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Ground ginger
• 1.5 tbsp Gochujang
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsp Mirin
• 3 tbsp Honey
• 1 tsp Sesame seeds (For garnish; amount estimated)
• 1 tbsp Spring onion (Thinly sliced, for garnish; amount estimated)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized bite-size pieces so they cook at the same rate. Pat the pieces dry if they are wet.

2. 2

   In a bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Toss the chicken pieces through the seasoning mixture until every piece is evenly coated.

3. 3

   Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.

4. 4

   Immediately press each egg-coated piece into the cornflakes, turning to cover all sides with a crisp coating.

5. 5

   Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Do not add oil. Air-fry at 200°C / 400°F for 16 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through, until crisp and cooked through. The thickest piece should reach 74°C / 165°F internally.

6. 6

   While the chicken cooks, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, mirin, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until the sauce is smooth.

7. 7

   When the chicken is done, transfer the sauce to a pan over medium heat. Heat it briefly, stirring, until it is hot and has reduced slightly to a glossy consistency; do not let the honey burn.

8. 8

   Add the cooked chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is evenly coated in the reduced sauce.

9. 9

   Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion. Serve immediately while the coating is crisp.

Notes

The stated sauce quantity is intended for one medium chicken breast; adjust all quantities proportionally for more chicken. The source does not specify the cornflake quantity, so use enough to coat the chicken, approximately 1/2 cup for one medium breast. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• air-fried
• Korean-inspired
• high-protein
• sweet-spicy
• quick meal
• fakeaway
• no added oil