Sticky Korean Glazed Wings are the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Imagine yourself at a family gathering, the aroma of sizzling wings filling the air, making everyone’s mouth water. Sticky Korean Glazed Wings are not just food; they are an experience, bringing people together over their sticky, finger-licking goodness. With a glossy, rich glaze made from gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and honey, Sticky Korean Glazed Wings are a treat that hits all the right notes.
A Bite into Korean Street Food
In South Korea, street food is a way of life, and Sticky Korean Glazed Wings have become a favorite snack. Vendors line the bustling streets, tossing crispy wings in smoky woks and coating them in shiny, thick sauces. These wings tell the story of Korea’s love for bold, comforting flavors. Inspired by this street food tradition, these wings are a perfect mix of crunch and glaze, a true bite of Korean culture on your plate.
From the Pan to the Table
Making Sticky Korean Glazed Wings at home is easier than it sounds. Start by marinating chicken wings in a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil, letting the flavors sink in. Then, fry or bake them until golden and crispy. The real magic happens when the wings are tossed in the glaze a spicy, tangy mix of gochujang, honey, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Watching the wings turn glossy in the pan is as satisfying as eating them!
The Joy of Sharing Sticky Korean Glazed Wings
There’s something special about sharing Sticky Korean Glazed Wings with friends and family. Whether it’s game night, a weekend party, or just a cozy dinner, these wings steal the show. The sticky glaze clings to your fingers, the heat from the spice warms your mouth, and the sweetness keeps you coming back for more. Each bite brings smiles and laughter, making these wings more than just a dish—they’re a reason to gather and celebrate.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Sticky Korean Glazed Wings
- Preheat for Success: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to ensure even and crispy results.
- Pat Dry the Wings: After marinating, pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Monitor the Air Fryer: Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model. Start with 10 minutes per side and adjust as needed for perfect doneness.
- Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce if you prefer saucier wings or want to serve additional sauce on the side for dipping.
- Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness by tweaking the amount of gochujang or dried chilies in the sweet & spicy sauce. You can also include chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Use a Rack: If your air fryer has a rack accessory, use it to cook multiple layers of wings while maintaining airflow and crispiness.
- Balance Flavors: Taste test both sauces before coating the wings and adjust sweetness or saltiness with more honey or soy sauce as needed.
- Keep Warm: If serving a large batch, keep cooked wings warm in a low oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
Sticky Korean Glazed Wings
4
wings10
minutes20
minutes390
kcal5
minutes35
minutesGet ready to elevate your appetizer game with these Crispy Sticky Korean Glazed Chicken Wings! Bursting with a tantalizing blend of soy, garlic, and sweet honey, these wings are perfectly air-fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or craving a flavorful main course, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, these wings are sure to become a favorite for family and friends alike. Dive into the bold flavors of Korean cuisine and enjoy finger-licking goodness in every bite!
Ingredients
chicken wings
2 tablespoons rice wine
1 teaspoon onion seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Soy Garlic Glaze
3 tablespoons regular soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons rice wine
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1 ounce green onions, white parts (optional)
3 dried chilies (optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
- Sweet Spicy Sauce
1.5 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- Garnish
Sesame seeds
Thinly sliced green onions
- Alternative Ingredients:
Rice Wine: Substitute with dry sherry or sake for marinade.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Honey: Use agave nectar or maple syrup as a vegan alternative.
Gochujang: Substitute with sriracha for a milder heat or sambal oelek.
Minced Garlic: Use garlic paste or grated fresh garlic.
Green Onions: Substitute with regular onions or chives if unavailable.
Directions
- Marinating the Wings – Begin by placing the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the rice wine, ensuring each wing is well-coated. Let the wings sit for approximately 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Seasoning the Wings – After marinating, gently remove excess liquid from the wings and transfer them to a clean bowl. Sprinkle in the onion seasoning, garlic seasoning, sea salt, ground ginger, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Thoroughly toss the wings to evenly distribute the spices.
- Preparing the Air Fryer – Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer within the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for optimal crispiness.
- Cooking the Wings – Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for 10 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so monitor for perfection.
- Making the Soy Garlic Glaze – In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, rice wine, brown sugar, honey, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Once bubbling, remove the dried chilies and green onion pieces. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk into the sauce until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for 3-5 minutes.
- Creating the Spicy Sauce – In another saucepan, combine ketchup, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens, approximately 4-5 minutes. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Coating the Wings – Place the cooked wings onto a lined sheet pan. Using a basting brush, generously coat each wing with your chosen sauce—soy garlic or sweet spicy ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
- Serving – Once all wings are coated, garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw salad, Korean macaroni salad, corn cheese, or pickled radish. Enjoy the wings hot or refrigerate leftovers for up to two days, reheating as desired.
Equipment
- air fryer
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s Knife
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 390kcal
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 94mg
- Sodium: 1733mg
- Potassium: 291mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 382IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Sticky Korean Glazed Wings
Can I bake the wings instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the wings at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end.
What can I substitute for gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, use sriracha or sambal oelek for a similar spicy flavor. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
How can I make the wings less salty?
Reduce the amount of soy sauce in the marinades or sauces, or use a low-sodium soy sauce alternative.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the wings and prepare the sauces a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat the wings in the air fryer before coating them with sauce.
What sides pair well with these wings?
Sticky Korean Glazed Wings pair well with coleslaw, pickled radish, Korean-style macaroni salad, steamed rice, or corn cheese for a complete meal or party platter.
