Ingredients
Wings Seasoning
- 2 ½ pounds chicken wings (halved at the joint)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum free)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- 3 tablespoons Gochujang paste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Toppings
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- Green onions (chopped, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: If time permits, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, white pepper, and kosher salt. Evenly season the wings with this mixture. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spread the wings out on the rack. Refrigerate uncovered on the bottom shelf overnight for the best texture, or at least 45 minutes if short on time.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the wings from the refrigerator 30-40 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature, which promotes even cooking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Setup: Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 475ºF (245ºC). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the wire rack lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings skin side up on the rack.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings for 28 to 38 minutes depending on their size. Flip them halfway through baking, after about 18 minutes, to ensure an evenly golden and crispy exterior. Bake until the wings are cooked through and skin is crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the wings bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add grated garlic and sauté for 45-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Gochujang paste, toasted sesame oil, honey, low sodium soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Whisk continuously and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then turn off the stove.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Pour the warm sauce into a large metal bowl. Add baked wings and toss thoroughly to coat each wing well with the flavorful sauce.
- Optional Broiling for Extra Color: For an added touch of caramelization and color, place the coated wings under a broiler for a few seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the wings by sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, dry the wings and refrigerate uncovered overnight to help the skin crisp up during baking.
- Wings can be baked without refrigerating first, but the texture will be less crispy.
- To make these wings in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF and cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Be careful not to burn the sauce under the broiler; broil only briefly for added color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional overnight refrigeration)
- Cook Time: 28-38 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean