Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and diverse dishes that beautifully balance health and taste. One such treasured dish is Jeon—a savory Korean pancake often made with vegetables, seafood, or meat. Today, we introduce you to a delightful, easy-to-make variation: Chicken Zucchini Jeon, optimized for air frying for a healthier twist.
What is Jeon?
Jeon (pronounced as "jun") is a versatile Korean-style pancake that can include a variety of ingredients from seafood to vegetables. It’s usually made with a simple batter of flour and eggs, which binds all the ingredients beautifully. Our recipe incorporates chicken and zucchini, offering a fresh take on the classic dish.
Why Air Fry?
Traditional Jeon is pan-fried, which could add extra calories due to the oil used. Air frying allows you to create the same crispy texture with significantly less oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste. It’s especially helpful if you’re aiming to maintain a balanced diet.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 1/2 pound of chicken breast, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and grate it using a coarse grater. Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to drain excess water.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze out the remaining moisture from the zucchini and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the minced chicken, flour, eggs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the bowl. Mix all ingredients well until a cohesive mixture forms. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Scoop the mixture into the air fryer, flattening each scoop with a spoon to form small pancakes or patties.
- Air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Once cooked, remove the Jeon from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Zucchini Jeon can be enjoyed as a main or side dish. Pair it with a simple dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil for added flavor. It’s perfect alongside steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite. This dish is best served hot, fresh from the air fryer.
Conclusion
This Korean-inspired Chicken Zucchini Jeon is not only a testament to the deliciousness of Korean food but also to the versatility of cooking technology like the air fryer. By combining traditional cooking methods with modern appliances, you can enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Try this dish to experience a piece of Korean cuisine from the comfort of your home!