Crispy Gochujang Chicken Wings: Sweet, Spicy, and Addictive
These gochujang chicken wings offer a delightful combination of sweet heat and crispy texture. Perfect for game day, they are easy to make and packed with bold flavors!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
Crispy, salty, sweet, and spicy with Korean chile paste--little bites of heaven! And, of course, very easy to make. If I were you, I'd inaugurate my air fryer with this super-simple recipe.