Fried Chicken Wings (Vietnamese-Style)

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 —...
Ingredients
For the Wings
- chicken wings1kg
- vegetable oil, for frying
- cornflour1cup
- baking powder1tsp
- roasted peanuts, crushed4tbsp
- chopped coriander (cilantro)1/4cup
For the Marinade
- fish sauce1tbsp
- chicken stock cube, crushed1
- garlic powder1/2tbsp
- white pepper powder1tsp
For the Sauce
- peanut oil2tbsp
- finely chopped onion1/4cup
- minced garlic1tbsp
- fish sauce1/4cup
- brown sugar1/4cup
- bird’s eye chilli (or red chillies), finely chopped2
- chopped spring onion greens1/4cup
- lemon juice4tbsp
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
How to make Fried Chicken Wings (Vietnamese-Style)
Marinate the Chicken Wings
- Step 1
Separate the wings into drumettes and wingettes.
- Step 2
Rinse and pat dry completely using paper towels.
- Step 3
In a bowl, toss the wings with fish sauce, crushed stock cube, garlic powder, and white pepper.
- Step 4
Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Sauce
- Step 1
In a saucepan, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2
Sauté onions for about 1 minute, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Step 3
Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped chillies. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves.
- Step 4
Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and spring onion greens. Set aside.
Fry the Chicken
- Step 1
Mix cornflour and baking powder in a bowl.
- 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.
- Step 3
Dredge each marinated wing in the flour mix, shaking off excess.
- Step 4
Fry in batches on medium-high heat until golden and crispy.
- Step 5
For extra crispiness, increase the heat and double-fry for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden. Drain on paper towels.
Toss and Serve
- Step 1
Just before serving, toss hot wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 2
Garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh coriander.
- Step 3
Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
Nutrition (per serving)
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
No peanut oil? Use sunflower or canola oil instead. For a nutty flavour (without peanuts), add a dash of sesame oil to the sauce.
Double-fry for that ultra-crispy restaurant-style texture.
Baking powder in the flour mix helps create an airy, crispy crust.
Adjust chilli level to your taste — use fewer or milder chillies if needed.
Serve them immediately after tossing for the best texture.
FAQS
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.
What is the purpose of double-frying the wings?
Double-frying ensures an ultra-crispy texture, similar to restaurant-style fried chicken.
Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by using fewer or milder chillies if needed.
What does baking powder do in the flour mix?
Baking powder helps create an airy, crispy crust for the chicken wings.
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.
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.
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)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨ Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨...
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