Airfryer Recipes

Crispy 30-Minute Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

By:

Christina R. Jones

Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

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Oh my gosh, you guys – these air fryer Korean gochujang wings are my newest obsession! Imagine the crispiest wings you’ve ever had, but without all the guilt of deep frying. Then picture them coated in this sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance. I must’ve tested this recipe a dozen times to get the spice level just right (first attempt nearly blew my head off – oops!). The air fryer works magic here, giving that perfect crunch while letting the gochujang’s smoky heat shine through. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to plain old buffalo wings again!

Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

Let me count the ways these wings will become your new favorite:

  • Crazy-fast cooking: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – perfect for when those spicy cravings hit hard!
  • Flavor bomb: That gochujang glaze? It’s got everything – sweet, spicy, smoky, and just a hint of tang from the rice vinegar.
  • Healthier crunch: All the crispiness of fried wings with way less oil (my jeans thank me for this recipe).
  • Authentic taste: These aren’t just “Asian-inspired” – that sesame-ginger-garlic combo is the real Korean deal.

Seriously, these wings disappear faster than I can make them whenever friends come over!

Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive wings – I promise most are pantry staples you probably already have! (Except maybe the gochujang, but trust me, it’s worth hunting down.)

  • 1 lb chicken wings – patted super dry with paper towels (this is CRUCIAL for crispiness!)
  • 2 tbsp gochujang paste – start with 1 tbsp if you’re spice-shy (I use the Mother-in-Law’s brand)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce – regular or low-sodium both work
  • 1 tbsp honey – or maple syrup for a vegan twist
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil – that toasty flavor is non-negotiable
  • 1 tsp minced garlic – fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch
  • 1 tsp grated ginger – I keep nubs in my freezer for moments like this
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar – the secret tang that balances everything
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds + 1 sliced green onion – for that pretty restaurant-style finish

See? Nothing too crazy – just bold flavors waiting to work their magic on those wings!

How to Make Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

Okay, let’s get these wings from raw to rave-worthy! I’ve broken it down into foolproof steps – follow these and you’ll have restaurant-quality wings at home. (P.S. Don’t skip the drying step – soggy wings are sad wings!)

Preparing the Wings

First things first – grab those paper towels and pat those wings DRY. I mean really dry – moisture is the enemy of crispiness here. If you’ve got time, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour (this helps the skin get extra crispy). While they’re drying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F – this ensures immediate sizzle when the wings hit the basket!

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Now for the magic! Arrange wings in a single layer – no overlapping or they won’t crisp evenly. I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out half-soggy (oops!). Cook for 12 minutes, then flip each wing like you’re flipping pancakes. Another 10 minutes and they’ll be golden and crispy. Resist the urge to peek too often – that heat needs to stay locked in!

Making the Gochujang Glaze

While the wings cook, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Taste as you go – too spicy? Add a touch more honey. Too sweet? A splash of rice vinegar balances it out. The glaze should coat a spoon but still drip slowly – if it’s too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time. This is your flavor masterpiece – make it yours!

Finishing Touches

Toss those crispy wings in the glaze until they’re perfectly coated, then pop them back in the air fryer for just 2 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce into sticky perfection. Top with sesame seeds and green onions right before serving – that pop of color and crunch takes them over the top!

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

After making these wings more times than I can count (and eating way too many “test batches”), here are my hard-earned secrets for wing perfection:

Dry, dry, dry! I can’t stress this enough – moisture is public enemy #1 for crispy wings. Pat them like you’re mad at them, then pat them again. If you’ve got time, that fridge rest makes all the difference.

Sauce too thick? Add water or rice vinegar a teaspoon at a time until it coats the wings beautifully without clumping. Too thin? Simmer it for a minute or two to concentrate those flavors.

Temp check! Even with perfect crispiness, always verify your wings hit 165°F internally. I keep my instant-read thermometer right next to the air fryer – safety first, then deliciousness!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

These wings deserve a proper supporting cast! I love serving them with kimchi for that classic Korean punch – the tangy crunch cuts through the richness perfectly. A simple steamed rice bowl soaks up any extra sauce (no flavor left behind in my kitchen!). For something refreshing, try quick-pickled cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar. And drinks? An ice-cold beer or sweet iced tea is mandatory to tame the heat – trust me, you’ll need it after that first addictive bite!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

Okay, let’s be real – these wings rarely last long enough to store! But if you’ve miraculously got leftovers (or made a double batch like I always do), here’s how to keep them tasty. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave unless you enjoy rubbery wings – instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that glorious crispiness. The sauce might darken a bit, but the flavor will still be amazing!

Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings FAQs

I get asked these questions ALL the time when I serve these wings – here are the answers straight from my trial-and-error experience:

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer? Absolutely! Bake at 425°F on a wire rack for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious. Just be sure to crank up the broiler for the last 2 minutes to caramelize that glaze!

Help! The sauce is too spicy for me! No worries! Cut the gochujang in half and add an extra tablespoon of honey. The sweetness balances the heat beautifully. You can always add more spice later, but you can’t take it away!

Can I start with frozen wings? You can, but thaw them completely first – frozen wings steam instead of crisp (learned that the messy way!). Pat them extra dry after thawing. Pro tip: I keep a bag of wings in my fridge ready to go for spontaneous wing nights!

Nutrition Information for Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these flavor-packed wings! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary based on ingredient brands or how heavy-handed you are with that delicious glaze (no judgment here!).

Per serving (about ½ pound of wings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 24g (hello, muscle fuel!)
  • Carbs: 12g (mostly from that sweet honey)
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fat: 18g (but remember – way less than deep-fried!)
  • Sodium: 480mg (use low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt)

The best part? These wings pack way less guilt than traditional fried versions while delivering all that addictive Korean flavor. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

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Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings

Crispy 30-Minute Air Fryer Korean Gochujang Wings


  • Author: Christina R. Jones
  • Total Time: 39 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Crispy and flavorful Korean-style chicken wings made in an air fryer with a spicy gochujang glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp gochujang paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10 minutes.
  5. Mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
  6. Toss cooked wings in the sauce until fully coated.
  7. Return wings to the air fryer for 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let wings sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking.
  • Adjust gochujang amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • Serve immediately for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: air fryer wings, Korean chicken, gochujang recipe, spicy wings

Hi I’m Christina

I am a creator of delicious recipes. Cooking, baking, recipe development and kitchen consulting are my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food I prepare.

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