Steaming Chicken Wings: The Perfect Method For Tender Wings

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit many tastes and occasions. They can be baked, fried, or steamed, and paired with a variety of sauces and dips. In this article, we will explore how to cook chicken wings in a steam oven to achieve the perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin.

How to get crispy chicken wings in a steam oven

Ingredients

• Chicken wings
• Baking powder (aluminium-free)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sauce of your choice

Method

• Dry the wings with paper towels. This is an important step in achieving a crispy coating.
• Combine salt, pepper, and baking powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning over the wings, tossing to coat evenly.
• Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking tray, skin side up.
• Set the oven to 120°C/250°F and place the wings on the lower rack. Bake for 30 minutes.
• Increase the oven temperature to 220°C/425°F and move the wings to the upper rack. Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the wings from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes before tossing in your desired sauce.

Tips for crispiness:

• Dry the wings thoroughly before adding any seasoning.
• Use aluminium-free baking powder to ensure the wings brown nicely and create a crispy coating.
• The ideal oven temperature for crispy wings is 425°F.
• If you have time, let the wings air-dry overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This will help them crisp up faster and result in juicier meat.

How to make a spice rub for chicken wings

To make a spice rub for chicken wings, you'll need a combination of spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. You can also add in some brown sugar or a sweetener for a hint of sweetness. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of brown sugar or sweetener
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chicken wings
• Oil

Method:

• Combine all the dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up.
• Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl.
• Add oil to the wings and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle the spice rub over the wings and use your hands to massage it into each wing until they are fully and evenly coated.
• Place the wings on a baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 40-60 minutes, or until the wings are fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

You can also add some flour or baking powder to the spice rub for a crispier coating. Additionally, if you want to enhance the spiciness, you can include cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to taste.

How to cut chicken wings

Cutting chicken wings is incredibly easy and will save you money compared to buying pre-cut wings. All you need is a good sharp knife, such as a chef's knife, and a cutting board.

Chicken wings have three parts: the wing tip (also called the flapper), the middle part or wingette (also called the flap), and the meatiest part, the drumette. You will make two cuts per wing, leaving you with three portions. The wing tip is not used in most recipes, but you can save it for making stock.

To start, stretch out the chicken wing on your cutting board with the inside portion facing up. This way, you can easily see the joints. Make your first cut at the high ridge or joint between the wing tip and the wingette. Cut through the joint and set the tip aside.

For your second cut, you will separate the drumette and the wingette. Place your knife at the high ridge on the joint between the two pieces and push down. If you feel resistance, wiggle the knife a bit and push down when you feel less resistance. You should now have a clean cut and be ready to cook your favourite recipe!

Tips

• Hold the wing to form a "V" to stretch the joint open and make it easier for your knife to glide through.
• Don't use too much force when cutting. Your knife will find the path of least resistance as the joint is stretched open.

How to make a buffalo sauce for chicken wings

How to Make Buffalo Sauce for Chicken Wings

Ingredients

• Hot sauce (e.g. Frank's RedHot)
• Butter (or vegan butter)
• Honey (or agave nectar)
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• White vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cayenne pepper

Method

• Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl.
• Add the hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and paprika to the bowl.
• Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can stop here. Otherwise, continue to the next step.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the butter, hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Heat the sauce until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring often. Be careful not to let it boil.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir the sauce gently before serving over your chicken wings.

Tips

• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more honey or try maple syrup.
• For a less spicy sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by making a cornstarch slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water, or a roux with equal parts butter and flour.
• Buffalo sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It may thicken as it cools, so gently reheat before serving.

How to reheat chicken wings

If you're looking to reheat some leftover chicken wings, you're in luck! There are a few simple methods you can use to get those wings back to their former glory. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Using an Oven

Place your leftover wings in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to reheat them, preheat your oven to 400°F. Take the wings out of the container and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This ensures that the heat circulates evenly and any excess moisture drips away.

Leave the wings to cook for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. You can also brush a little extra sauce on the wings before reheating, but add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it doesn't burn.

Using an Air Fryer

Another great option for reheating chicken wings is an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the leftover wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each wing. Reheat for about 5-8 minutes, or until they're nice and crispy again.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• If you want to ensure your wings stay nice and crispy, it's best to reheat them in the oven or air fryer. The microwave tends to make them soggy.
• You can also use melted butter or olive oil to help crisp them up. Simply toss the wings in a little butter or oil before reheating.
• Make sure to preheat your oven or air fryer so it's nice and hot when the wings go in. This will help them crisp up.
• Don't cover the wings when reheating. This will create steam and make them soggy, so always cook them uncovered.

Now you know how to reheat those delicious chicken wings! Enjoy your crispy, tasty treat.

Frequently asked questions