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Gochujang chicken wings are a bold and flavorful twist on classic wings, coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze made from Korea’s iconic fermented chili paste, gochujang. The wings are typically baked or fried until crispy, then tossed in a sauce that blends gochujang with garlic, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar for balance. The result is a perfect harmony of heat, umami, and sweetness that clings to every bite. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, these wings are not only a crowd-pleasing appetizer but also a dish that showcases the depth of Korean flavors in a fun, approachable way.
Key Ingredients for Gochujang Chicken Wings
- Chicken Wings – The star of the dish, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) – Provides the signature spicy, savory, and slightly sweet depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami to balance the heat.
- Honey or Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness that creates the sticky glaze and balances the spice.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for aromatic flavor.
- Rice Vinegar – A touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Sesame Oil – Adds nutty richness and depth.
- Sesame Seeds & Scallions – Classic garnishes that add crunch, freshness, and visual appeal.
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine, known for its bold, and complex flavour in both traditional and modern dishes. It’s a fermented chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Often aged in large clay pots to develop its signature depth. The result is a thick, rich paste that delivers a unique balance of spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. Unlike hot sauces that bring only heat, gochujang adds body and complexity, making it perfect for marinades, stews, sauces, and glazes. Its fermentation process not only enhances flavor but also adds probiotics and nutrients, making it both delicious and nourishing. In Korean cooking, you’ll find gochujang in classics like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and bulgogi marinades, as well as in modern fusion dishes like gochujang chicken wings or spicy noodles.
Gochujang Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 10 chicken wings
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove grated garlic
Garnish
- green onion
- furikake
Instructions
- Into a bowl mix together your flour, salt, and baking powder.½ cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder
- Add your chicken wings into the bowl and make sure each piece is well coated.10 chicken wings
- Set your chicken aside on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to let the flour hydrate. This step prevents your chicken from having white flour spots after cooking.
- Place chicken wings in the airfryer, spray with oil and airfry at 375F for 15 minutes.
- While the chicken in cooking, mix together all the sauce ingredients in a pan, gently heat it up until combined. Make more sauce as needed.1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 clove grated garlic
- Brush the sauce on to the chicken wings and air fry again for 3 minutes or until sauce is caramelized.
- Top with green onions and furikake.green onion, furikake
