I’ve always been a fan of chicken wings, but when I discovered how irresistibly crispy and flavorful they can be in an air fryer, my game completely changed. No more deep-frying mess, no oil splatters all over the stove—just perfectly golden wings that are juicy inside and crunchy outside. The best part? You can make them taste like your favorite Asian takeout without stepping out of your kitchen.
This recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that cling to every inch of the wing. It’s the kind of dish that disappears the moment you set it on the table, so I always make extra. Whether I’m cooking for a game night, a casual dinner, or just a “treat yourself” evening, these wings never disappoint.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: The star of the dish, chicken wings are naturally juicy with plenty of skin to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. I like to use a mix of drumettes and flats for variety in texture and bite.
Soy sauce: This gives the marinade its salty depth and a rich umami punch that forms the backbone of the Asian flavor profile. I usually go for low-sodium soy sauce so I can better control the salt level.
Hoisin sauce: Thick, slightly sweet, and savory, hoisin sauce adds complexity and that distinctive Asian BBQ flavor that makes these wings irresistible.
Honey: This brings a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the salt and spice, and it helps create that sticky, caramelized glaze that clings to the wings.
Rice vinegar: Light and tangy, rice vinegar cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor, keeping the wings from feeling heavy.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the marinade with its bold aroma and savory bite, making every mouthful pop with flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and gives the wings an authentic Asian taste.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle adds a nutty aroma and deepens the richness of the marinade. A little goes a long way here.
Red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick of heat, red pepper flakes balance the sweetness without overwhelming the palate. Adjust to your spice preference.
Green onions & sesame seeds: These are for garnish, adding freshness, color, and a little crunch right before serving.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Asian Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything is well blended and aromatic.
Step 2: Marinate the wings
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the wings start crisping up right away.
Step 4: Cook the wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Cook for 12 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Glaze and serve
Transfer the cooked wings to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the marinade over the top (boil it first to make it food-safe), then sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Pat the wings dry before marinating—this helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate to get that golden, crunchy finish.
- Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides.
- Adjust sweetness and spice—add more honey for a sweeter glaze or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Marinate longer for stronger flavor—overnight works great if you plan ahead.
FAQs
Can I make these wings without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
You can, but thaw them completely before marinating so the flavors absorb properly.
What can I serve with these wings?
They go great with fried rice, Asian slaw, or even a simple cucumber salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.