Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings
There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of crispy, golden chicken wings, especially when they’re tossed in a luscious Korean-inspired sauce that balances sweet, savory, and just a hint of heat. As the seasons turn, I find myself craving these delightful bites more than ever. Perhaps it’s the end-of-summer barbecues, the feeling of gathering with loved ones, or simply enjoying a flavorful dish on a quiet evening at home. One of my favorite memories is hosting a backyard get-together with friends and family, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, a giant platter of chicken wings. It’s moments like these that inspire me to recreate simple yet crowd-pleasing recipes like my Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or your next gathering.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just 20 minutes in the air fryer, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Deliciousness: Enjoy wings that are beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.
- Flavorful Sauce Options: Choose between a soy garlic sauce or a zesty sweet and spicy sauce, depending on your preference.
- Family-Friendly: These wings are sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults, making them a fantastic choice for family meals and gatherings.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels, add toppings, or serve with some delightful sides for a complete meal!
What You’ll Need
- 900 g chicken wing pieces (2 pounds), separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 Tbsp rice wine
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- A few cracks ground black peppers
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp rice wine
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A few cracks ground black peppers
- 30 g green onions (1 ounce), white part (optional)
- 3 dried chilies (optional)
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 2 tsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion, thinly sliced
Let’s Make It Together
- In a bowl, place the chicken wings and add the rice wine. Mix them well and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Gently shake off the liquid from the wings, placing them into a clean bowl. (Discard any residual liquid from the first step). Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ginger powder, and ground black peppers. Mix well.
- Spray some cooking oil onto the air fryer basket. Place the seasoned chicken into the basket without overlapping too much. Set the air fryer temperature at 200 C (400 F) and cook for 10 minutes on each side or until the wings are crispy and golden brown outside. (Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.)
- While your wings are cooking, you can make your choice of chicken wing sauce using the instructions below.
Soy Garlic Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients (except for corn starch and water). Bring it to a boil over medium-low heat while stirring often. Once the sauce starts bubbling, remove and discard the chilies and green onion pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the corn starch and water. Mix well, then pour it over the sauce. Stir often. Once the sauce thickens or turns to a glaze (within 1-2 minutes), remove from heat and cool for 3-5 minutes.
Sweet & Spicy Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat while stirring frequently. Once the sauce begins to bubble and thicken (about 4-5 minutes), remove from heat. Allow the sauce to cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the air-fried chicken onto a lined sheet pan. Gently coat the wings with your chosen sauce using a basting brush. Once coated, serve hot.
- These wings pair wonderfully with coleslaw, Korean macaroni salad, corn cheese, or pickled radish!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Sesame Twist: Drizzle toasted sesame oil over the finished wings for an extra nutty flavor.
- Sweet Citrus: Mix a splash of orange juice into your sauce for a zesty, fruity enhancement.
- Extra Heat: For those who like a kick, add more gochujang or even some fresh minced chili.
- Herbed Delight: Toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Marinate the wings in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply air fry them for a quick dinner.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftover wings can be refrigerated for up to two days. They’re delicious served cold or reheated in the air fryer to regain some crispiness.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can marinate the wings a day in advance to allow for deeper flavor.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sauces to match your taste preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
How long does it last?
Leftover wings will last about two days in the refrigerator. For best quality, consume them within that time frame.
A Cozy Closing Note
These Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings bring joy to any table and create heartwarming memories that linger long after the last bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, they’re a delightful way to share flavors and laughter with those you cherish. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every crispy, saucy morsel and the beautiful moments they bring to your table.
Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delight in crispy, golden chicken wings tossed in a luscious Korean-inspired sauce, perfect for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
- 900 g chicken wing pieces (2 pounds), separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 Tbsp rice wine
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- A few cracks ground black peppers
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp rice wine
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 30 g green onions (1 ounce), white part (optional)
- 3 dried chilies (optional)
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 2 tsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, place the chicken wings and add the rice wine. Mix them well, and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Gently shake off the liquid from the wings, placing them into a clean bowl. Discard any residual liquid and add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ginger powder, and ground black peppers. Mix well.
- Spray some cooking oil onto the air fryer basket. Place the seasoned chicken into the basket without overlapping too much. Set the air fryer temperature at 200 C (400 F) and cook for 10 minutes on each side or until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
- While your wings are cooking, make your choice of chicken wing sauce using the following instructions.
- For Soy Garlic Sauce, combine all sauce ingredients (except for corn starch and water) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat while stirring often, then remove and discard the chilies and green onion pieces. In a small bowl, combine corn starch and water, then pour it over the sauce until thickened.
- For Sweet & Spicy Sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat while stirring frequently until bubbling and thick. Remove from heat and cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the air-fried chicken onto a lined sheet pan. Gently coat the wings with your chosen sauce using a basting brush. Serve hot.
Notes
Pair these wings with coleslaw, Korean macaroni salad, corn cheese, or pickled radish for a complete meal. Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
