Crispy Gochujang Chicken Wings – Sweet, Spicy And Easy Recipe

These gochujang chicken wings deliver the perfect blend of sweet heat and crispy texture, all while being incredibly simple to make.

They’re irresistible—the kind of dish that has you reaching for one more wing, and then another! The secret? A luscious combination of gochujang, a spicy Korean chili paste, and a quick air fryer method that turns out perfect wings every time.

Whether you’re preparing for game day, an appetizer spread, or simply craving bold flavors, this recipe has it all: addictive heat, finger-licking sauce, and crispy bites of perfection.

Even better, it comes together in just 40 minutes and uses an air fryer to keep it easy and efficient. Get your napkins ready—this is about to be a messy (and delicious) affair!

My Story Behind This Gochujang Chicken Wings Recipe

The first time I made air fryer gochujang chicken wings, I was captivated by their bold flavor. Growing up as a chef, I was always drawn to diverse cuisines, and Korean ingredients like gochujang quickly became staples in my pantry.

I remember experimenting with this recipe for the first time during a family gathering—we devoured every last wing, and I knew I’d found a keeper.

What I love most about this spicy Korean chicken wings recipe is its simplicity. The air fryer locks in juiciness while crisping the skin beautifully. Plus, the gochujang glaze hits just the right notes of spicy, savory, and sweet. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to for any occasion!

Ingredients for Gochujang Chicken Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper or gochugaru (Korean red pepper)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar or honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

How to Make Gochujang Chicken Wings

1. Start by seasoning your chicken wings with kosher salt and black pepper (or gochugaru for an extra kick). Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
2. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings for 20 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking—you’ll notice the skin beginning to crisp up.
3. While the wings cook, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine gochujang, mayonnaise, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, sugar, agave nectar (or honey), and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
4. When the 20 minutes is up, check the wings with a meat thermometer. They should register 160°F. Transfer them to a large bowl and pour half of the sauce over the wings, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Return the wings to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize into a sticky, glossy glaze while the edges crisp up further.
6. Once done, transfer the wings to a serving platter. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top for garnish. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

My Chef Tips for the Best Gochujang Chicken Wings

• Pat your chicken wings dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Ensure space between the wings so the hot air circulates properly—this is the key to evenly crispy results.
• Adjust the spice to your liking: If gochujang feels too spicy, balance it with a bit more honey or mayonnaise for a milder, creamier glaze.
• Batch cook for a crowd: If making this for a party, keep cooked wings warm in a low oven (200°F) while finishing additional batches.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, pop them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispy texture.

Gochujang Chicken Wings FAQs

Can I make these wings in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the wings at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, toss with sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

How spicy are these wings?

This easy gochujang wings recipe is moderately spicy due to the gochujang. You can reduce the heat by using less gochujang or adding more sugar and mayonnaise to the sauce.

What can I serve with gochujang chicken wings?

Pair these wings with steamed rice, kimchi, or a crunchy slaw to balance their bold flavor. They also go great with cold beer or a refreshing soda!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover homemade gochujang chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.

Time to Try These Gochujang Chicken Wings

If you’re craving something bold and irresistibly delicious, these gochujang chicken wings are exactly what you need. They’re packed with sweet heat, boast a crave-worthy crispy finish, and come together in no time flat thanks to the air fryer.

Let me know how these wings turn out for you! Will you serve them at your next gathering, or keep them all to yourself for dinner? Don’t forget to snap a quick photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your plating!