Few things can match the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy chicken wing. Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a surefire hit. The best part? You can achieve restaurant-quality results without the hassle (or guilt) of deep frying.
Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, your chicken wings will have that golden, crispy texture on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Pair them with a bold gochujang sauce, a creamy sesame mayonnaise dipping sauce, and some fresh garnishes, and you’ve got a meal that’s both irresistible and easy to prepare.
Let’s dive into this recipe and discover why air fryer chicken wings are about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Here’s why this recipe is bound to win you over:
- Healthier option: Air frying uses little to no oil, making these wings a healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Crispy perfection: Baking powder helps create a golden, crackly skin that rivals fried wings.
- Bold flavors: The gochujang sauce adds a spicy, tangy kick that takes these wings to the next level.
- Quick and easy: With an air fryer, you’ll have perfectly cooked wings in no time.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, sauces, and garnishes to match your preferences.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Here’s everything you’ll need to make crispy air fryer chicken wings with bold sauces and fresh garnishes:
Chicken Wings
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wing drumettes and flats | 3 pounds | Use fresh or thawed wings for best results. |
| Baking powder | 3 teaspoons | Ensures crispy skin by drawing out moisture. |
| Kosher salt | 2 teaspoons | Enhances the natural flavor of the wings. |
Gochujang Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gochujang (Korean chili paste) | 2 tablespoons | Adds a spicy, tangy flavor. |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Balances the heat with umami richness. |
| Rice wine vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Provides a subtle tanginess. |
| Sesame oil | 2 teaspoons | Adds a nutty aroma. |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness. |
| Butter, melted | 3 tablespoons | Makes the sauce rich and glossy. |
Sesame Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | Creamy base for the dipping sauce. |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tablespoon | Infuses the sauce with a nutty flavor. |
| Sugar | ¾ teaspoon | Adds a touch of sweetness. |
| Sriracha | ⅛ teaspoon | Optional, for a mild heat. |
Garnishes
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thinly sliced scallions | As needed | Adds a fresh, aromatic touch. |
| Toasted sesame seeds | As needed | Provides texture and nutty flavor. |
| Thin spears of cucumber | Optional | A refreshing side. |
| Thin slices of radish | Optional | Adds a crisp, peppery bite. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispy skin.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Make sure the wings are evenly coated.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Air Fry the Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding—work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the wings at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
4. Make the Gochujang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
5. Toss the Wings in Sauce
- Once the wings are fully cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the gochujang sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
6. Prepare the Sesame Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce
- In another small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and Sriracha (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Plate the saucy wings and garnish with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve with the sesame mayonnaise dipping sauce, along with cucumber spears and radish slices for a refreshing crunch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on six servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings
1. Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda)
Baking powder helps the wings achieve a crispy exterior by breaking down proteins in the skin. Avoid baking soda, as it will leave a bitter taste.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
To ensure even cooking, arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly.
3. Pat the Wings Dry
Removing excess moisture before seasoning is essential for crispy skin.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount of gochujang or omit the Sriracha in the dipping sauce. For more heat, add extra chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Keep Wings Warm
If cooking in batches, keep the finished wings warm in a 200°F oven while you finish air frying the rest.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer chicken wings are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some ideas:
- With beer: A cold beer is the ultimate companion to spicy, saucy wings.
- Over rice: Serve the wings and sauce over steamed white rice for a hearty meal.
- As party food: Arrange the wings on a platter with plenty of garnishes and dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- With salad: Pair the wings with a crisp green salad or slaw to balance the heat.
Variations to Try
- Honey Garlic Wings: Swap the gochujang sauce for a blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and butter.
- Buffalo Wings: Toss the wings in a classic buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter.
- Dry Rub Wings: Skip the sauce and coat the wings in a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper before air frying.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Sprinkle the wings with lemon pepper seasoning and melted butter after cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning for the crispiest results.
2. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the wings ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up before serving.
3. What if I don’t have gochujang?
You can substitute it with sriracha or another chili paste, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
4. Can I bake these wings in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Are air fryer wings healthier than fried wings?
Yes! Air fryer wings use little to no oil, making them lower in fat and calories than traditionally fried wings.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Try Air Fryer Chicken Wings Today!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. With a bold gochujang sauce, creamy sesame mayo dip, and fresh garnishes, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or treating yourself to a special snack, these wings will hit the spot every time.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of these mouthwatering wings today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crispy, juicy, and irresistibly delicious, Air Fryer Chicken Wings are your go-to recipe for any occasion. Coated in a bold gochujang sauce and served with a creamy sesame mayonnaise dip, these wings are packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight cravings, they’re easy to make and healthier than traditional fried wings.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Wings:
- 3 pounds chicken wing drumettes and flats
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- For the Gochujang Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- For the Sesame Mayonnaise Dip:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ¾ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon Sriracha (optional)
- Garnishes (Optional):
- Thinly sliced scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thin cucumber spears
- Thin radish slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the wings in a large mixing bowl with baking powder and kosher salt, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Wings:
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each wing for even cooking. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry the wings at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Gochujang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Toss the Wings in Sauce:
- Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and pour the gochujang sauce over them. Toss until evenly coated.
- Prepare the Sesame Mayonnaise Dip:
- In another small bowl, mix mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and Sriracha (if using) until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Plate the saucy wings and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with the sesame mayonnaise dip, along with cucumber spears and radish slices for a refreshing crunch.
Notes
- Use baking powder (not baking soda) for crispy skin.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang and Sriracha.
- Keep cooked wings warm in a 200°F oven while finishing additional batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
