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Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe - Easy, Sticky, and Seriously Crunchy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken wings: 2 pounds, split into flats and drumettes, patted very dry
  • Potato starch: 1/2 cup (or cornstarch if needed, but potato starch is crispier)
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (aluminum-free if possible)
  • Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Neutral oil: 1–2 tablespoons (avocado, canola, or grapeseed) for light coating
  • Gochujang: 3 tablespoons (Korean red chili paste)
  • Honey or brown sugar: 2–3 tablespoons (adjust for sweetness)
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated (optional but recommended)
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Water: 2–3 tablespoons to thin as needed
  • Gochugaru: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Pickled radish (optional but classic)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the wings: Pat wings dry with paper towels until very dry. This is key for crispiness. Trim any excess moisture or loose skin.
  • Season and coat: In a large bowl, mix potato starch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the wings in the mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated. Drizzle with a small amount of oil and toss again to lightly coat.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  • First cook: Arrange wings in a single layer without crowding. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Wings should look pale golden and feel dry and firm.
  • Make the sauce: While wings cook, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes until glossy and slightly thick. If too thick, add a splash of water. For more heat, stir in gochugaru.
  • Second cook for crunch: Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C). Cook wings another 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until deeply golden and audibly crisp. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Sauce and toss: Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour over enough sauce to coat—start with half, toss, then add more to taste. You want a shiny glaze, not a soup.
  • Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately with pickled radish or a crisp salad.