Make Spicy Wings Without A Deep Fryer: Easy Home Cooking

How to Make Hot Wings Without a Deep Fryer

Deep-fried chicken wings are a popular snack or party food, but they are not the healthiest option. Luckily, there are several ways to make hot wings without using a deep fryer, including baking, grilling, or using an air fryer.

Baked Chicken Wings

Baking chicken wings is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can still be delicious and crispy. The key to getting crispy baked wings is to dry them well with paper towels before tossing them in a mixture of baking powder and spices. Then, bake them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow the excess fat to drip off. Bake at a high temperature, such as 425°F, for 30-40 minutes, or until they are crispy and browned. You can also use an air fryer to bake the wings, which will give them a similar texture to deep-fried wings.

Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilling is another option for making hot wings without a deep fryer. This method gives the wings a smoky flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods. To grill chicken wings, first, pat them dry with paper towels and then toss them in a mixture of oil and your desired spices. Place them on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are cooked through and charred in spots.

Air-Fried Chicken Wings

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep fryers as they use little to no oil and create a crispy texture similar to deep-frying. To make hot wings in an air fryer, first, toss the wings in a mixture of olive oil and your desired spices. Then, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 360°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the wings are cooking, make a sauce by melting butter and mixing it with hot sauce and spices. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce and return them to the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes to allow the sauce to set.

Bake in the oven

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Butter
• Hot sauce
• Brown sugar
• Water

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels. This step is essential to achieving a crispy coating.
• Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings, tossing to coat them evenly.
• Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Ensure the wings are in a single layer, skin-side up.
• Bake the wings, turning them every 20 minutes, until they are crispy and browned. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the wings but may take up to an hour.
• Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before tossing them in your desired sauce.
• For the sauce, combine Frank's hot sauce, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
• Toss the baked wings in the sauce, or serve the sauce on the side if you prefer crispier wings.

Tips for Crispy Oven-Baked Wings:

• Dry the wings well before tossing them in the seasoning mixture. Use paper towels to blot away any moisture, pressing firmly on the wings.
• Use baking powder to help achieve a nice brown colour and a crispy coating.
• Get the oven temperature right—425°F is ideal for crispy oven-baked wings.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Arrange the wings in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Use an air fryer

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air rapidly, creating a convection effect that results in the browning and crunchiness of the food without it being drenched in oil. This is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, which can lead to health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Start preparing the wings at least 1-2 hours before cooking. Cut off the tip of the wing and separate the drumette from the flat. If the wing piece is larger than the size of your palm, cut it into two pieces and wash the meat thoroughly. After washing, place the wings in a colander or strainer to drain the excess water for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Marinate the Wings

Transfer the wings to a large bowl and add olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix the ingredients well, ensuring that each wing piece is coated. Allow the wings to marinate for about an hour or two.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Place the marinated wings on the parchment paper in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook the wings for about 12 minutes, then use tongs to flip each piece over. Cook for another 12 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While the wings are cooking, start preparing the sauce. Melt butter in a pan over medium to high heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low-medium to prevent burning. In a separate bowl, mix together minced garlic, chili flakes, and cayenne pepper. Add this seasoning mix to the melted butter and whisk in hot sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Step 6: Combine the Wings and Sauce

Once the wings are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and dip each one into the sauce mixture. For a spicier flavor, dip the wings a couple of times to ensure the sauce penetrates the wings. Place the sauced wings back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes to allow the sauce to coat and stick to the wings.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer the wings to a plate and enjoy with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Marinate the wings

Marinating the wings is an important step in the process of making hot wings as it infuses them with flavour and moisture, ensuring they are juicy and tender. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to marinate your wings to perfection:

Firstly, ensure your wings are prepared and ready for marinating. If your wings are whole, you will need to separate them into drumettes and flats. To do this, find the joint that connects the two and slice through it with a sharp knife. Remove and discard the wing tips, or save them for stock if you prefer. If your wings are already cut, simply ensure they are thoroughly washed and patted dry with paper towels. Blot away any excess moisture, pressing firmly on the wings. The drier the wings are, the crispier they will become during cooking.

Next, transfer your prepared wings to a large mixing bowl or container. Add your chosen marinade to the wings. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by combining various spices, oils and flavourings. For a classic hot wing marinade, try a mixture of olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Alternatively, for a dry rub, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and baking powder, and sprinkle this over the wings. Ensure all the wings are evenly coated by tossing or mixing with your hands.

Once your wings are coated in the marinade, cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the wings to marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible. The longer they are left to marinate, the more tender and flavourful they will become.

After the wings have marinated, you can begin cooking them. If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 360-400°F. Place the marinated wings inside, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will affect how evenly they cook. Cook for around 12 minutes, then flip each wing and cook for a further 12 minutes.

If you are using an oven, preheat it to 400-450°F. Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and browned, turning them every 20 minutes.

Once cooked, your wings are ready to be tossed in your chosen sauce or served with a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Make a sauce

Making the sauce is an important step in preparing hot wings. The sauce is what gives the wings their distinctive flavour and also adds to the crispiness of the dish. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make the sauce for hot wings:

Ingredients

You can make the sauce with a variety of ingredients, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some common ingredients used in hot wing sauces:

• Butter
• Hot sauce
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Chili flakes
• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Blue cheese

Instructions

• Combine the butter, hot sauce, pepper, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also add olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Stir the ingredients until the butter is melted, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Mix the seasoning for the sauce in a separate bowl. This can include minced garlic, chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and any other spices you prefer.
• Add the seasoning mix to the saucepan with the butter and hot sauce. Stir the mixture until well combined, adding more salt and pepper to taste if desired.
• Transfer the sauce to a separate bowl and set it aside until you are ready to coat the wings.

You can also experiment with different sauces, such as barbecue sauce, Thai sauce, or a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce. The key is to find a combination of flavours that you enjoy and that complement the wings.

Toss the wings in the sauce

Once the wings are cooked, it is time to toss them in the sauce. You can either drizzle the sauce over the wings or place them in a bowl and toss them in the sauce. If you want to ensure that each wing is fully coated, make a double batch of sauce.

If you are using an air fryer, transfer the wings to a bowl and pour the sauce over them, tossing them with a wooden spoon or tongs. Be sure to wear an apron as the sauce may splatter. You can also cook and toss the wings in batches and serve them as they are ready.

If you are baking the wings, transfer them to a platter and drizzle the sauce over them, or place the wings in a bowl and toss them in the sauce until coated.

Frequently asked questions