Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the wings.
Fry the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Once the sauce is ready, transfer the fried wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange the wings on a platter and serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.