Name: Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 10 whole chicken wings; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon white pepper; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon mirin (substitute: dry sherry or rice wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar); ½ teaspoon sesame oil; 1 egg, whisked well; Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to deep-fry the wings)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 57 reviews

If you’re craving a crunchy, savory snack with a burst of bold flavor, then this Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe is about to become your absolute favorite. Perfectly marinated with a blend of fragrant spices and a touch of sesame oil, these wings are fried to golden crispiness that delivers an irresistible crunch with every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a casual get-together or a cozy night in, these wings offer a mouthwatering experience that feels both authentic and delightfully comforting.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of raw chicken wings being marinated. On the left, the wings are inside a clear plastic bag with a yellowish-brown marinade spread unevenly across the skin, filling the bag with several wings visible in layers close together. On the right, the wings are placed in a round metal bowl, coated evenly with the same yellowish-brown marinade, showing a sticky texture with the wings layered on top of each other, some overlapping. Both scenes have a white marbled surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your wings. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a part, from building the marinade’s complexity to ensuring a wonderfully crispy finish.

Chicken wings (10 whole): The star of the show, these provide juicy meat with plenty of skin to get crispy and golden.

Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil with a high smoke point essential for achieving that perfect deep-fry crispiness.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and seasoning.
Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, savory depth that plays beautifully with soy and ginger.

Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the savory elements and helps with caramelization during frying.
White pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle heat that’s typical of many Chinese dishes without overpowering the palate.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Offers a fragrant zing that elevates the marinade.

Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances umami richness while rounding out the savory profile.
Sesame oil (½ teaspoon): Adds a nutty aroma that’s signature to many Chinese recipes.
Flour (1 tablespoon + extra for coating): Helps create the crispy exterior when combined with cornstarch.

Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): The secret to that irresistible crunch and light coating.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses a salty, savory depth and beautiful color.
Mirin (1 tablespoon): A sweet rice wine that adds subtle sweetness and tenderness; can be substituted with dry sherry or a mix of rice vinegar and sugar.

Egg (1, whisked): Binds the marinade together and helps the flour and cornstarch adhere evenly.

How to Make Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dry and Wet Components

Start by blending the dry ingredients - salt, garlic powder, sugar, white pepper, ground ginger, onion powder, flour, and cornstarch - in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. In a separate medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and whisked egg. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, whisking until you achieve a smooth, cohesive marinade that will envelop each wing.

Step 2: Marinate the Wings

Transfer this flavorful marinade into a gallon-sized freezer bag and add your chicken wings. Seal the bag tightly, then massage the wings gently to coat them evenly with the marinade. Although the batter seems minimal at this stage, trust that it’s just enough to keep the skin moist and ready for frying. Refrigerate the wings for at least 1 hour or, even better, overnight to develop those deep, layered flavors.

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

Once marinated, remove the wings from the fridge and tip them into a large bowl. Let them rest at room temperature for another hour. If you notice any excess liquid pooling at the bottom, sprinkle in up to ⅓ cup of flour a little at a time and toss until the wings have an even, sticky coating. This step is essential to create that much-desired crispy crust once cooked.

Step 4: First Fry at Moderate Heat

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pot to 325° F. Test the temperature by adding one wing; it should sizzle immediately. Fry the wings in batches so as not to crowd the pot, cooking them for about 5 minutes each, just until they turn lightly browned. Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain and rest the wings after this initial fry, which helps develop a tender interior.

Step 5: Second Fry for Ultimate Crispiness

Increase your oil temperature to between 350 and 365° F. Return the wings to the hot oil in batches and fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, achieving that golden, crunchy exterior Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe is famous for. This two-step frying technique locks in moisture and ensures incredible texture.

How to Serve Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

Two images side by side show the process of frying chicken wings. On the left, a blue pot filled with bubbling golden oil has a few pieces of chicken wings cooking inside, showing light brown crispy edges under the oil bubbles. This pot is placed on a stove with a white marbled countertop behind it. On the right, twelve fully fried chicken wings with a golden brown, crunchy texture are arranged on a silver wire rack over a baking sheet on a white marbled surface. The wings are in three rows of four, with varying shapes and slight color differences from light to darker golden brown. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple, fresh flair, sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the wings. It adds a pop of color and a slight crunch that complements the dish’s rich flavors. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can also brighten each bite, elevating the wings with a tangy zing.

Side Dishes

Vegetable fried rice is a classic companion to accompany these wings, soaking up every bit of their delicious juices. Alternatively, serve them alongside crisp Asian slaw or steamed bok choy for a lighter, refreshing contrast. Even simple cucumber salad works wonders to balance the savory crunch of the wings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the wings around a platter with dipping sauces like sweet chili, hoisin, or a garlic soy glaze for guests to customize. You can also skewer the wings individually and serve them as finger foods at a party, garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant touch that elevates the entire experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any wings leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, avoid sealing them with wet paper towels; instead, separate layers with parchment paper to keep that gorgeous crunch intact.

Freezing

Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe wings freeze beautifully. After frying and cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Stored this way, they’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for a quick snack anytime.

Reheating

For reheating, the oven or an air fryer are your best bets to revive the crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375° F and spread the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat for 10-15 minutes until piping hot and crunchy again, avoiding microwave reheating which tends to make the wings soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other parts of the chicken instead of wings?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with wings because of their skin and size, drumsticks or even boneless chicken pieces can be used. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary with different cuts.

Is mirin essential for this recipe?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, a dry sherry or a mix of rice vinegar and sugar makes a great substitute. Just balance the sweet and acidic notes carefully.

Why is the chicken fried twice? Can I skip a step?

The two-stage frying process is key to achieving wings that are crispy on the outside yet juicy inside. Skipping the second fry often results in less crispiness, so it’s definitely worth the extra effort.

How do I ensure my wings come out crispy and not greasy?

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is important—too low and wings absorb oil, too high and they can burn. Also, frying in batches without overcrowding helps the wings fry evenly and stay crisp.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a blend designed for frying. Just be sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well, such as tamari, to keep the flavors authentic without the gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe is truly a keeper and one you’ll find yourself craving over and over again. The balance of bold seasonings, tender chicken, and irresistible crunch makes it a joy to prepare and even more fun to share. Grab your ingredients, get frying, and watch this classic dish become your new favorite go-to for any occasion!

Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need