Air Fryer Asian Zing Chicken Wings: A Spicy Treat

Chicken wings are a popular snack, appetiser or party food, and can be made in a variety of ways. One way to make them is in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. This method also saves time and can be used to make Asian Zing Chicken Wings, which are sweet and spicy. The wings can be marinated and coated in a variety of sauces and spices, such as soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and chilli flakes. They can then be cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

How to prepare the chicken wings

Preparing the chicken wings is the first step in making Asian Zing Chicken Wings in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to separate the wings into drums and flats if you are using full wings. Ensure that they are defrosted. It is important to pat the wings completely dry as this will help them get crispy during cooking.

Next, prepare the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, add and mix the following ingredients: sesame oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, and ginger. Whisk for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can use a ziplock bag instead of a bowl. Place the wings into the bowl or bag, then toss to completely coat them with the marinade.

Once the wings are coated, place them in the refrigerator to marinate. It is recommended to let them sit for at least 30 minutes, but you can also leave them overnight for a more intense flavour.

After the wings have marinated, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (176°C) and preheat for about 2 minutes.

Now you are ready to cook the wings. Place the marinated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Cook the wings at 350°F for 9 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, carefully flip the wings, and brush them with the remaining marinade. Close the air fryer and increase the temperature to 400°F. Continue cooking for about 7 minutes.

To ensure the wings are fully cooked, use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165°F. Remove the wings from the air fryer and set them aside.

In summary, preparing the chicken wings for Asian Zing Chicken Wings involves separating and drying the wings, creating a marinade, coating the wings, marinating, and finally, cooking them in the air fryer. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy Asian Zing Chicken Wings.

How to make the sauce

To make the sauce for the Asian Zing Chicken Wings, you will need to combine the following ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Grated ginger
• Garlic
• Butter
• Gochujang paste or dried chilli flakes
• Rice vinegar
• Mirin
• Sriracha
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar

Some recipes also include rice wine, sesame seeds, green onions, and white pepper.

• Combine the soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, garlic, butter, and Gochujang paste or dried chilli flakes in a small saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
• (Optional) For a stickier sauce, continue simmering and reducing the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
• (Optional) Remove the garlic and ginger by discarding them.
• Toss the cooked chicken wings in the sauce or brush the sauce onto the wings.
• (Optional) Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish.

How to cook the wings in the air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F for two minutes. While that's heating up, prepare your chicken wings. If you have full wings, separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted and then pat them dry with a paper towel (this will help them get crispy).

Next, add your wings to a medium-sized bowl with your chosen marinade/seasoning and toss to completely coat the wings. You can also use a ziplock bag for this step. Place the wings, covered, into the fridge and leave them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Once your wings have marinated, add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer (they should not be touching). Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Spray the wings with cooking spray or oil and add any additional salt and pepper.

Cook the wings for 9-12 minutes at 350°F, then flip them over. Brush the wings with your chosen sauce or glaze and increase the temperature to 400°F. Cook for another 7-10 minutes. When the time is up, check the internal temperature of the wings with a digital thermometer—they should be at least 165°F.

Remove the wings from the air fryer and set aside. If desired, you can use the leftover marinade to make a quick glaze on the stove top. Simply add the marinade to a small saucepan and heat on high. Once it starts boiling, reduce to a simmer and add a mixture of cornstarch and water. Bring to a boil again, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Brush the glaze over the wings and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

How to reheat the wings

If you have any leftover Asian Zing Chicken Wings, you can reheat them in an air fryer to retain their crispiness. Here's a detailed guide:

Firstly, it is best to store leftover wings in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to reheat your wings, start by taking them out of the fridge and letting them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps ensure even heating.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.

Reheat the wings for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed to your liking and the skin is crispy again. For sauced wings, reheat for 4-5 minutes at 350°F.

Once they are heated through, remove the wings from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also toss them with a fresh coating of sauce before serving if desired.

Enjoy your freshly reheated Asian Zing Chicken Wings!

What to serve with the wings

When it comes to serving up a storm alongside your Asian Zing Chicken Wings, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Thai Noodles: For a flavour-packed dish, serve these wings with One Pot Spicy Thai Noodles. This combination will surely tantalise your taste buds with its complex blend of spices and herbs.
• Garlic Ginger Spinach: If you're looking for something on the healthier side, garlic ginger spinach is a tasty option. The garlic and ginger add a punch of flavour to the spinach, making it a delicious and nutritious side dish.
• Corn on the Cob: Whether it's Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, this classic side dish is always a hit. It provides a sweet and juicy contrast to the spicy and tangy wings.
• Asian-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These easy Asian-Glazed Brussels sprouts will pair perfectly with the Asian Zing Chicken Wings. The sprouts take on a delightful savoury flavour that complements the wings beautifully.
• Simple Wedge Salad: For a refreshing option, a simple wedge salad can be a great choice to balance out the richness of the wings.
• Sweet Potato Fries: If you're looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries, air fryer sweet potato fries are a fantastic option. They're crisp, delicious, and pair well with the wings.

So, there you have it! These sides will surely enhance your dining experience and impress your guests. Enjoy your flavourful feast!

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