If you love crispy, sticky, and flavor-packed wings, then Korean BBQ Chicken Wings are about to become your new favorite. These wings are sweet, spicy, garlicky, and umami-rich, making them an addictive snack or meal for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning a game day feast, an appetizer for a party, or a quick weeknight meal, these Korean-style wings will steal the show. In this guide, we’ll explore three incredible Korean BBQ Chicken Wing recipes—from classic grilled wings to crispy oven-baked and air-fried versions!

Table of Contents

1. Why Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Are So Popular
2. Essential Ingredients for Authentic Korean BBQ Wings
3. Tips for Cooking Perfect Wings
4. Recipe 1: Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
5. Recipe 2: Crispy Baked Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
6. Recipe 3: Air-Fried Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
7. Best Dipping Sauces for Korean BBQ Wings
8. Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Korean BBQ Wings
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. FAQs

Why Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Are So Popular

Korean BBQ chicken wings are a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy elements. Here’s why they stand out:

✔ Crispy & Sticky Texture – Perfectly crispy skin coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce.
✔ Bold & Balanced Flavor – Sweetness from honey, spice from gochujang, umami from soy sauce, and tang from vinegar.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and methods with maximum flavor payoff.
✔ Versatile Cooking Methods – Grill, bake, or air-fry them for different textures.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Korean BBQ Wings

To get the best Korean-style BBQ wings, you need a few key ingredients:

1. Chicken Wings

• Fresh, organic wings for the best texture.
• Wingettes & drumettes work best for even cooking.

2. Korean BBQ Marinade & Sauce

• Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – Spicy, sweet, and packed with umami.
• Soy sauce – Deepens the savory flavor.
• Honey or brown sugar – Adds a caramelized glaze.
• Rice vinegar – Balances the richness with tang.
• Garlic & ginger – Essential aromatics.
• Sesame oil – Adds nuttiness and fragrance.

3. Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds – For crunch and nuttiness.
• Green onions – For a fresh, mild onion kick.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Wings

🔥 Pat wings dry before cooking – This ensures extra crispiness.
🔥 Marinate for at least 30 minutes – Helps infuse deep flavor.
🔥 Use high heat for crisp skin – Whether grilling, baking, or air-frying.
🔥 Toss wings in sauce AFTER cooking – Prevents soggy skin.

Recipe 1: Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• ¼ cup gochujang
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Marinate the wings – Mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Coat wings and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
3. Grill the wings for 5-6 minutes per side until crispy and fully cooked.
4. Toss in sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
5. Serve hot & enjoy!

Recipe 2: Crispy Baked Korean BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

(Same as Recipe 1)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat wings dry and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch for extra crispiness.
3. Place wings on a lined baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Toss in sauce after baking, garnish, and serve.

🥇 Pro Tip: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even crisping.

Recipe 3: Air-Fried Korean BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

(Same as Recipe 1)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat wings dry and toss in 1 tbsp cornstarch for extra crispiness.
3. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Toss in sauce, garnish, and serve.

🔥 Want them extra crispy? Increase temp to 400°F for the last 5 minutes.

Best Dipping Sauces for Korean BBQ Wings

🍶 Gochujang Aioli – Spicy, creamy, and garlicky.
🍶 Korean Ranch – Classic ranch with a gochujang twist.
🍶 Honey Soy Dip – Sweet and salty perfection.

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Korean BBQ Wings

🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice – Balances the bold flavors.
🥒 Korean Cucumber Salad – Refreshing and tangy.
🥕 Kimchi Slaw – Adds crunch and spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Skipping the drying step – Moisture prevents crispiness.
🚫 Adding sauce too early – It burns easily on the grill.
🚫 Not flipping wings while cooking – Uneven crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes! Increase cook time by 5-7 minutes per side.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze Korean BBQ wings?

Yes! Freeze before adding sauce for up to 3 months.

4. Are these wings very spicy?

They have a mild heat—adjust gochujang for more or less spice.

5. Can I use an air fryer if I already baked them?

Yes! Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.