Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings: A Comforting Treat
There’s something incredibly cozy about indulging in golden, crispy chicken wings that transport you to a comforting place. This recipe for Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings captures that magic, infusing each bite with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. I can’t help but think back to the afternoons I spent gathered around the table with friends, sharing stories and laughter over a plate of wings that were so perfectly seasoned, I could never resist going back for more.
As the leaves turn and winter settles in, these wings are the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner when you’re looking to fill your kitchen with warmth and tantalizing aromas. Not to mention, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these wings are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and golden: The air fryer gives the wings a heavenly crunch without the mess of deep frying.
- Flavor-packed: Marinated in a delectable blend of spices and sauces, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for game day, dinner parties, or a cozy night in; they suit every occasion.
- Family-friendly: Kids love them, and the leftovers (if there are any) can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings
- 900 g chicken wing pieces (2 pounds), separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (or broth as a substitute)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- A few cracks of ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (or broth)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A few cracks of ground black pepper
- 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 (for garnish)
- Green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings
-
In a large bowl, place the chicken wings and add rice wine. Mix well and set aside for 5 minutes, allowing the wings to absorb the flavors.
-
Gently shake off the liquid from the wings, transferring them to a clean bowl (discard any residual liquid).
-
Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ginger powder, and ground black pepper to the wings. Mix thoroughly to coat each wing evenly.
-
Spray some cooking oil onto the air fryer basket. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer, avoiding overlapping.
-
Set the air fryer temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook each side for 10 minutes or until the wings are crisp and golden brown. Remember, cook time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
-
While the wings are cooking, prepare your choice of sauce.
Soy Garlic Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients (except for corn starch and water). Bring to a boil over medium-low heat while stirring regularly.
- Once bubbling, remove and discard the chilies and green onion pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix corn starch and water together, then pour it into the sauce while stirring. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool for 3-5 minutes.
Sweet & Spicy Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and bring to boil over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Once it thickens (about 4-5 minutes), remove from heat and cool for 3-5 minutes.
-
Place the air-fried chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Gently coat the warm wings with your sauce of choice using a basting brush.
-
Serve your wings alongside delicious sides like coleslaw salad, Korean macaroni salad, corn cheese, or pickled radish.
-
If you happen to have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for one to two days and enjoyed either cold or reheated.
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Zesty Lemon Garlic: Add lemon juice and zest into your marinade for a vibrant twist.
- Sweet Honey Soy: Enhance the sweetness by increasing the honey content in your sauce for a sticky treat.
- Spicy Gochujang Delight: Boost the heat level by incorporating extra gochujang or adding chili flakes to your sauce.
- Herb-Infused Touch: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a refreshing, herbaceous flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Marinate the wings a few hours, or even overnight, for a deeper flavor.
- Ingredient Swaps: Use chicken breasts or thighs for a different texture, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Slicing Tricks: Use kitchen scissors to easily separate the wings if not already pre-cut.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for optimal crispiness.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: About 6 wings
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 805mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Marinating the wings ahead of time enhances the flavor.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to swap out soy sauce for a gluten-free version or adjust the spices to your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
How long does it last?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days, but you can also reheat them after refrigeration.
A Cozy Closing Note
Making Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings is more than just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating moments of connection, joy, and warmth around your dinner table. These wings, with their exhilarating flavors and crispy goodness, are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them. Save this Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you want that cozy treat!
Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Indulge in golden, crispy chicken wings infused with sweet, savory, and umami flavors, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 900 g chicken wing pieces (2 pounds), separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (or broth as a substitute)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- A few cracks of ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (or broth)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A few cracks of ground black pepper
- 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 (for garnish)
- Green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the chicken wings and add rice wine. Mix well and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Gently shake off the liquid from the wings, transferring them to a clean bowl.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ginger powder, and ground black pepper to the wings. Mix thoroughly to coat each wing evenly.
- Spray some cooking oil onto the air fryer basket. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook each side for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
- While the wings are cooking, prepare your choice of sauce.
- In a saucepan, combine all soy sauce ingredients (except for corn starch and water). Bring to a boil while stirring.
- Once bubbling, remove and discard the chilies and green onion pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix corn starch and water together, then pour it into the sauce while stirring until it thickens.
- Place the air-fried chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan and coat with your sauce of choice.
- Serve your wings alongside delicious sides like coleslaw salad or pickled radish.
- If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and enjoyed cold or reheated.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the wings a few hours or overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 wings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 805mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
