Fried Chicken Wings (Vietnamese-Style)

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Salty Spicy Vietnamese-Style Crispy Chicken Wings

I first tried these wings at a tiny Vietnamese restaurant — crispy, sticky, spicy, and unforgettable. I couldn’t stop thinking about them and knew I had to try making them at home.

After a few tweaks and taste tests, this version came pretty close —...

Fried Chicken Wings (Vietnamese-Style)  recipe
Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr 10min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = approximately 250g of chicken wings)

For the Wings

  • chicken wings
    chicken wings
    1kg
  • vegetable oil, for frying
    vegetable oil, for frying
  • cornflour
    cornflour
    1cup
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1tsp
  • roasted peanuts, crushed
    roasted peanuts, crushed
    4tbsp
  • chopped coriander (cilantro)
    chopped coriander (cilantro)
    1/4cup

For the Marinade

  • fish sauce
    fish sauce
    1tbsp
  • chicken stock cube, crushed
    chicken stock cube, crushed
    1
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1/2tbsp
  • white pepper powder
    white pepper powder
    1tsp

For the Sauce

  • peanut oil
    peanut oil
    2tbsp
  • finely chopped onion
    finely chopped onion
    1/4cup
  • minced garlic
    minced garlic
    1tbsp
  • fish sauce
    fish sauce
    1/4cup
  • brown sugar
    brown sugar
    1/4cup
  • bird’s eye chilli (or red chillies), finely chopped
    bird’s eye chilli (or red chillies), finely chopped
    2
  • chopped spring onion greens
    chopped spring onion greens
    1/4cup
  • lemon juice
    lemon juice
    4tbsp

How to make Fried Chicken Wings (Vietnamese-Style)

Marinate the Chicken Wings

  1. Step 1

    Separate the wings into drumettes and wingettes.

  2. Step 2

    Rinse and pat dry completely using paper towels.

  3. Step 3

    In a bowl, toss the wings with fish sauce, crushed stock cube, garlic powder, and white pepper.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, toss the wings with fish sauce, crushed stock cube, garlic powder, and white pepper
  4. Step 4

    Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Marinate for at least 30 minutes

Make the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    In a saucepan, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat.

  2. Step 2

    Sauté onions for about 1 minute, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

    Step 2.1: Sauté onions for about 1 minute, then add garlic and cook until fragrant
  3. Step 3

    Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped chillies. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves.

    Step 2.1: Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped chillies
    Step 2.2: Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped chillies
  4. Step 4

    Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and spring onion greens. Set aside.

    Step 2.1: Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and spring onion greens

Fry the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Mix cornflour and baking powder in a bowl.

  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over high heat. Test readiness by dipping in a wooden spoon or chopstick — it should bubble instantly.

  3. Step 3

    Dredge each marinated wing in the flour mix, shaking off excess.

    Step 3.1: Dredge each marinated wing in the flour mix, shaking off excess
    Step 3.2: Dredge each marinated wing in the flour mix, shaking off excess
  4. Step 4

    Fry in batches on medium-high heat until golden and crispy.

    Step 3.1: Fry in batches on medium-high heat until golden and crispy
  5. Step 5

    For extra crispiness, increase the heat and double-fry for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden. Drain on paper towels.

    Step 3.1: For extra crispiness, increase the heat and double-fry for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden

Toss and Serve

  1. Step 1

    Just before serving, toss hot wings in the sauce until evenly coated.

    Step 4.1: Just before serving, toss hot wings in the sauce until evenly coated
  2. Step 2

    Garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh coriander.

    Step 4.1: Garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh coriander
  3. Step 3

    Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

725.0kcal (36.25%)

Protein

45.0g (90%)

Carbs

37.5g (13.64%)

Sugars

12.5g (25%)

Healthy Fat

33.0g

Unhealthy Fat

10.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. No peanut oil? Use sunflower or canola oil instead. For a nutty flavour (without peanuts), add a dash of sesame oil to the sauce.

  2. Double-fry for that ultra-crispy restaurant-style texture.

  3. Baking powder in the flour mix helps create an airy, crispy crust.

  4. Adjust chilli level to your taste — use fewer or milder chillies if needed.

  5. Serve them immediately after tossing for the best texture.

FAQS

  1. Can I make the wings ahead of time?

    Yes, you can fry the wings ahead of time (first fry only), cool completely, and store uncovered in the fridge for a few hours. When ready to serve, do a quick second fry for 1–2 minutes until crisp, then toss in the sauce.

  2. What is the purpose of double-frying the wings?

    Double-frying ensures an ultra-crispy texture, similar to restaurant-style fried chicken.

  3. Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

    Yes, you can adjust the spice level by using fewer or milder chillies if needed.

  4. What does baking powder do in the flour mix?

    Baking powder helps create an airy, crispy crust for the chicken wings.

  5. Can I use a different oil for frying?

    Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.

  6. Can I bake these wings instead of frying?

    Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. For best results, bake at 220°C/425°F with a light spray of oil, flipping halfway. Still do the double-bake for added crispness.

  7. What can I substitute for fish sauce?

    Soy sauce can be used, but the flavour won’t be as deep or umami-rich.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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