Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are packed with flavor thanks to their crispy coating and aromatic stir-fried seasonings. They’re perfect as a party snack, appetizer, or even as a main dish when served with rice or noodles. No heavy sauces or marinades required—just a punch of spice and seasoning in every bite. Whether fried or air-fried, they’re always crispy and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
• Cornstarch (for crisp coating)
• Salt
• White pepper or black pepper (coarsely ground)
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh red chili or red chili flakes
• Green onions, chopped
• Oil for frying or air-frying
• Optional: Chinese five-spice powder or MSG (for extra umami)

Directions

1. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2. Season wings with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly in cornstarch.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C), or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Fry the wings in batches for 8–10 minutes (or air-fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 8–10 minutes), until golden and crispy.
5. In a separate pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
6. Sauté the minced garlic, chilies, and green onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Toss the cooked wings into the garlic-chili mixture, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste, and stir to coat evenly.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions or sliced chilies if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is 20 minutes, for a total of approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

• Add a pinch of Chinese five-spice to the seasoning for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Use boneless chicken bites or thighs instead of wings for a different cut.
• Make them less spicy by omitting or reducing the chilies.
• Add thinly sliced onions or bell peppers to the garlic stir-fry for added texture.
• Try a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the top for a bright finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the wings soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid splatter and ensure crispiness.

What’s the best pepper to use?

White pepper is traditional and gives a more authentic flavor, but black pepper works fine too.

Can I bake the wings instead?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried or air-fried.

How do I keep the wings crispy?

Dry the wings thoroughly before coating, and don’t overcrowd the fryer or air fryer basket.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, omit the chilies or use a small amount of mild red pepper.

What kind of oil should I use?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are best for frying.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely—try a dash of garlic powder, ginger powder, or even paprika for extra depth.

Is there a dipping sauce that goes well with these wings?

These are flavorful on their own, but you can serve with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce or chili-garlic sauce.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can fry the wings ahead and reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Add the garlic and chili stir-fry just before serving.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your cornstarch and seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s easy to make and hard to resist. With crispy skin, aromatic seasoning, and a touch of heat, these wings are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re serving them at a party or making a quick weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress with bold taste and satisfying crunch.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

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Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are crispy, savory wings tossed in garlic, chili, and green onion for a bold and addictive flavor. Fried or air-fried, they deliver all the crunch and spice of a takeout favorite with minimal ingredients.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying or Air Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper (coarsely ground)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Oil for frying or air-frying
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder or a pinch of MSG

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Season wings with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then coat evenly in cornstarch.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C), or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes (or air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8–10 minutes) until golden and crispy.
5. In a wok or pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, chilies, and green onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add cooked wings to the pan and toss to coat with the aromatics. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper to taste (and optional five-spice or MSG).
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions or chilies if desired.

Notes

• Dry wings thoroughly before coating to maximize crispiness.
• White pepper provides a more traditional flavor, but black pepper is a fine substitute.
• For extra umami, add a pinch of MSG or five-spice powder.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and soggy wings.
• Serve with rice or noodles for a full meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5–6 wings
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 115mg