Air Fryer Cheese Buldak (Korean Fire Chicken)
Air Fryer Cheese Buldak features gochujang-marinated chicken thighs blanketed in melted mozzarella; air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes until charred, then melt the cheese in the last 3 minutes.
Saved in this browser. View saved recipes
Method
- 1
Whisk gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, corn syrup, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, and black pepper into a smooth paste. Add the cubed chicken thighs and toss until fully coated. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- 2
Toss the marinated chicken with 1 tbsp neutral oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in two batches if needed. Crowding steams the meat instead of charring it.
- 3
Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket and redistributing the pieces at the 6-minute mark.
- 4
Air fry 3-4 minutes more until the edges are blackened in spots and a thermometer in the thickest cube reads 165°F internal.
- 5
Pile the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack over the chicken in the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges.
- 6
Scatter scallions, sesame seeds, and perilla over the top and serve straight from the basket with steamed rice.
Pro tip. Gochujang burns fast because of its sugar and starch. If the marinade is scorching before the chicken hits 165°F, drop to 375°F for the last few minutes rather than pulling the chicken early — buldak needs char, not carbon.
Why the air fryer wins here
- Ready in 18 minutes. The same dish takes about 29 in a conventional oven, plus preheating.
- Fast-moving hot air browns the outside before the inside dries out, so you get color without babysitting.
- Cleanup is a basket, not a sheet pan and a splattered stovetop.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) throughout, measured with a food thermometer. USDA leftover safety guidance.
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes rather than the microwave so the outside crisps back up. See the reheat guide for exact times by food.
Get the air fryer cheat sheet
A one-page chart of everyday cooking times and temperatures. Print it, stick it on the fridge.
Confirm your email to get the free PDF. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
