Description
Gochujang Caramelized Chicken Wings deliver sweet, spicy, and savory flavor with a sticky, lacquered finish. This recipe provides simple oven and air fryer methods perfect for any beginner cook.
Ingredients
- 2.5–3 lb chicken wings, flats and drumettes separated
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (optional)
- 1/3 cup gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
- 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1–2 tsp rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings very dry. Season the wings with salt and pepper.
- If using the oven method, preheat your oven to 400–450°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and top it with a wire rack.
- Roast the seasoned wings on the rack for 35–45 minutes until they become crisp and golden. Flip the wings once during baking.
- While the wings bake, prepare the sauce. Whisk the gochujang paste, fish sauce or soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce mixture over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it looks glossy. Remove from heat.
- If using the oven method, return the baked wings to the tray. Toss the wings in the prepared sauce. Broil for 1–5 minutes, basting once, until the edges char and the glaze caramelizes. Watch very closely to prevent burning.
- If using the air fryer method, toss the seasoned wings with half of the sauce after the initial 20 minutes of cooking. Air fry for 5 more minutes to set the glaze.
- Garnish the finished wings with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- High heat combined with a quick broil or second air-fry cycle sets the deep, sticky glaze. You must watch the wings closely once they are sauced because the sugars burn fast.
- For a spicier wing, add gochugaru to your sauce mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter caramel, slightly increase the honey but reduce the broil time to prevent scorching the sugars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Korean-American