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If you love the perfect balance of crispy exterior and sticky, flavorful coating, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe. These wings deliver a harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes infused with authentic Korean-inspired ingredients, while the air fryer ensures a wonderfully crisp bite without deep frying. Whether for a casual dinner, game day treat, or party appetizer, this recipe transforms simple chicken wings into a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating those irresistibly tasty wings. Each component plays a vital role: from crispiness to bold flavor layers and irresistible aroma. Let’s take a look at all you’ll need.
- Chicken wings (2 to 3 pounds): Fresh wings provide the juicy foundation necessary for great texture.
- Egg (1): Helps the flour batter stick to the wings, creating that coveted crunchy crust.
- Milk (1 cup): Balances the egg, lending moisture to the batter for even coating.
- Flour (2 cups): The key to that crisp, golden coating after air frying.
- Garlic salt, seasoned salt, and seasoned pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that pump up flavor and depth before cooking.
- Spray olive oil: Ensures the wings crisp beautifully without excess fat.
- Soy sauce (1/2 cup): The umami backbone of the Korean BBQ sauce.
- Applesauce (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the tangy profile.
- Sugar and brown sugar (each 1/3 cup): These sweeteners deepen the rich glaze.
- Water (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce just enough for the perfect consistency.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Delivers aromatic punch typical of Korean BBQ flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A touch of nutty complexity that lifts the marinade.
- Rice wine vinegar, pear juice, lemon juice, apple juice, orange juice (1 tablespoon each): A medley of tart and fruity notes that brighten the sauce beautifully.
- Sweet chili sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of heat with subtle sweetness for contrast.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon each): Spice trio that infuses warmth and savory flair.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce into that glossy, sticky glaze we all crave.
How to Make Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce
The magic starts with the sauce, so it’s worth taking the time to blend all the ingredients thoroughly. In a heavy saucepan, combine soy sauce, applesauce, sugars, water, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, pear juice, lemon juice, apple juice, orange juice, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. Stir everything together until well mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. This simmering melds all those sweet and savory flavors into a luscious base that will coat your wings perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Wings
Next, it’s time to get the wings ready for air frying. Whisk together the egg and milk in a medium bowl to create your wet batter component. In a separate large bowl, have your flour ready for dredging. Lay the chicken wings out on parchment paper and sprinkle them generously with garlic salt, seasoned salt, and seasoned pepper. This seasoning step is crucial for building layers of flavor that shine through the crispy coating.
Step 3: Bread and Air Fry the Wings
Dip each wing first in the egg and milk mixture, then coat them in flour. For extra crunch, dip the flour-coated wings back into the egg mixture and then once more into the flour. Place the double-coated wings in the air fryer basket, spraying them lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Pause to turn each wing and lightly spray again with olive oil before cooking another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on your wings; if they start to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 375 degrees and continue cooking until perfectly golden and crisp.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce and Toss Wings
While the wings cook, whisk the cornstarch with a little water until smooth to create a thickening slurry. Stir this into your simmering sauce and turn the heat up to medium-high. Keep stirring until the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency. Remove it from heat and spoon the sauce over the freshly air-fried wings. Toss to coat every piece generously. For an extra touch of crispiness and stickiness, pop the sauced wings back into the air fryer for just 1 minute, then plate and serve immediately, topping with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra sauce on the side. Pure bliss!
How to Serve Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch for your wings can really elevate their presentation and flavor. Toasted sesame seeds bring a pleasant nuttiness and visual appeal, making each bite special. You might also consider thinly sliced green onions or a scattering of fresh cilantro to brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve these wings with simple, palate-cleansing sides to balance the sweet and savory flavors. Classic coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette adds crunch and creaminess, while steamed or fried rice makes for a hearty accompaniment. If you want to lean into Korean flavors, pickled radishes or kimchi are fantastic and add a wonderful contrast of textures and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, arrange your wings on a large platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves, which also offer fresh bites alongside the wings. Provide extra dipping sauces on the side, such as cool ranch or a spicy mayo, to offer guests different flavor experiences. For an eye-catching centerpiece, serve the wings stacked high with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it chills, but gently reheated, those flavors will come back alive beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to keep wings longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer into freezer bags or containers. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the wings crispy when reheating, use your air fryer on 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. This revives their crunch while warming the sauce without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if you want that original texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these wings in a conventional oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, but keep in mind the air fryer really helps achieve that extra crispy finish without oil soaking.
Is the sauce very spicy?
No, the sauce has a gentle heat from the sweet chili sauce balanced by the fruity juices and sweetness, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the chili to your liking!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before tossing with the wings.
What’s the best way to serve these wings for a party?
Serve them hot with extra dipping sauces and a variety of garnishes so guests can customize each bite. Presentation on a large platter with fresh herbs and sesame seeds will impress and invite sharing.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is a total game changer. Crispy, flavorful, and packed with a vibrant Korean-inspired sauce, these wings are perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So grab those wings, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
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