Korean Fried Chicken Wings
Korean Fried Chicken Wings are irresistibly crispy and juicy wings double-fried to perfection, then coated with flavorful sauces ranging from sweet and spicy to savory and tangy. Perfect for game days, parties, or a comforting treat, these wings deliver bold, authentic flavors while being easy to customize and made with simple, accessible ingredients.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Chicken Wings
- Fresh chicken wings, split at the joint for even cooking and extra crispy edges (about 2 lbs)
Coating
- Potato starch or cornstarch, enough to lightly coat wings (about 1 cup)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough to fill pot about 3 inches deep)
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Variations (Optional)
- Extra minced garlic and chili flakes for spicy garlic wings
- Splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for sweet and tangy flavor
- Rice flour or gluten-free starch and tamari to make gluten-free version
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove all moisture. Optionally, divide the wings into drumettes and flats to ensure even cooking.
- Coat with Starch: Toss the wings evenly in potato starch or cornstarch, coating every part lightly. This creates the key crispy crust.
- First Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 320°F (160°C). Fry the wings in batches for 6-7 minutes until the wings start turning light golden but are not fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Rest and Cool: Let the wings rest for 10-15 minutes to render fat and prepare them for the second fry that will bring extra crunch.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey (or corn syrup), minced garlic, and ginger. Heat gently until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic.
- Second Fry: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings again for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden brown and ultra-crispy. Drain wings on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Quickly toss the hot wings in the prepared sauce until each wing is thoroughly coated with the glossy, sticky glaze.
Notes
- Dry wings thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to maintain correct oil temperatures for even cooking.
- Double frying is essential for a durable, crispy crust that stays crunchy after saucing.
- Allow coated wings to rest 10 minutes before frying for better crust formation.
- Customize heat by adjusting gochujang or adding chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to keep wings crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 wings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Korean fried chicken wings, double fried chicken, spicy wings, crispy chicken wings, Korean sauce wings, gochujang chicken, game day appetizers