Drizzling a douse of chili crunch on chicken wings is a game changer. After eating a batch, we’ve been obsessed and so will you. Make these easy chili crisp chicken wings for the weekend and you’ll be hooked.

spooning over chili crunch chicken wings

Controversy Over Chili Crunch

For those of you who are familiar with this popular condiment, it’s been quite a controversy. Traditionally this popular condiment has been found all over China and in restaurants. It’s not only in China but all over the world and now it’s become so popular that everyone has their own spin on this popular condiment. Some call it chili crisp, crunchy chili oil and so many other names. But a few months ago David Chang wanted to capitalize on the term “chili crunch” and sent out some threatening legal letter to any competitor who had that label on their own condiment brand. Since then, he’s withdrawn from going after anyone. Here’s the big story here and here. We love calling our version as chili crunch chicken wings recipe because it just sounds appetizing. But chili crisp sounds pretty tasty too. Call it what you want!

platter of chili crunch chicken wings

Homemade Chili Crunch or Chili Crisp vs. Store Bought

There’s so many great store bought brands and seriously, all are delicious. Each has their own specific flavor and no two brands are exactly alike. That’s the fun part of being able to taste test different brands. If you want, make homemade chili crunch. Try our easy recipe and you can customize it. So if you have time, make it homemade because it literally takes just a few minutes. But if you enjoy tasting everyone else’s creations, there’s a few recommendations that we have.

Best Brand of Chili Crisp or Chili Crunch?

Over the last years a new generation of brands have come into the chili crunch crisp market. From more traditional brands to new brands with unique spices, there’s something for everyone. We love the S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil. Great texture and savory flavor. Just a touch of heat & sweet. If you want more heat, the others are fantastic options too! Our you can always make a homemade chili crisp to get it just how you like it.

Video: Recipe for Chili Crunch Chicken Wings

Tips on Making Chili Crisp Chicken Wings

  • Use what ever method of cooking chicken wings that you want. You can make air fryer chicken wings from fresh, air fry frozen chicken wings or deep fry, bake or boil chicken wings. We have so many techniques for you to try.
  • After making your wings, just drizzle the chili crunch or chili oil crisp over the cooked wings.
  • Make it a great wing platter with some chopped veggies. The fresh veggies are a nice healthy bite to the rich wings. Celery, carrots, cucumber slices and radishes are fantastic side bites to serve with the wings.
  • Add a collection of different homemade sauce recipes too! We have so many homemade sauces that you can double douse over the chili crisp.
  • All chili crunch chicken wing recipe details are in the recipe box below.
spooning over chili crunch chicken wings

Chili Crunch Chicken Wings

Chili crunch (chili crisp) will vary a lot in their spiciness. You can make your own (our chili crunch recipe here), or buy your favorite brand. Some brands are barely spicy, while others are intense. Adjust the amount to your preference. Our personal favorite brand at the moment is the S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil. It has a great texture and savory flavor with just a touch of heat and touch of sweet.
Chicken wings can be prepared in different ways: fried or baked, either way dredged in flour or not. Visit this write up on different ways to prepare chicken wings. This recipe shows the baked technique, but you can certainly fry or air fry them if you like. You can even air fry frozen chicken wings.
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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. (907 g) Chicken Wings
  • Kosher Salt , to taste
  • fresh cracked Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Chili Crunch (chili crisp), or to personal taste

Instructions 

Baked Chicken Wing Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line a couple sheet pans with parchment paper.
    Oven knobs
  • Pat dry the chicken wings. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the wings on the baking sheet pans in a single layer.
    Raw chicken wings on a baking sheet pan
  • Bake the wings at 425°F/220°C for about 30 minutes. Flip the wings.
  • Continue to bake for another 10-20 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
    Baked chicken wings on a baking sheet pan
  • Make your own chili crunch if not using a purchased chili crunch.
    A spoonful of chili crunch over a pan
  • After the wings have finished cooking, toss them with or drizzle the sauce over them. Serve warm.

Notes

Crispy Wing Alternate Cooking Methods

Traditional Fry in Oil (uses about 1/2-3/4 cup of cornstarch to coat wings).
Toss the wings in cornstarch to coat, shaking off excess cornstarch.
Heat about 1-inch of oil in a large pot or skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Make sure to turn the wings while cooking so they cook evenly. Season with salt & pepper. Toss with the sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings 
Season wings with salt & pepper. (No Oil Needed). Place in air fryer basket/tray. (Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed.)
Air Fry at 400°F/205°C for 20 minutes. Flip the wings and air fry for another 5-10 minutes or until cooked through and to your liking.
Toss with a little sauce, and then air fry for another 2-4 minutes. Toss with additional sauce if desired after air frying. Different models and sizes of air fryers cook quicker than others. Adjust times accordingly.

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 536kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 44g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 22g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 116mg, Sodium: 654mg, Potassium: 380mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1318IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 2mg
holding chicken wing