Sticky Wings: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time is also much shorter than baking, and you only need a handful of ingredients.

For sticky wings, you can use a variety of sauces, such as sweet chilli sauce, oyster sauce, or soy sauce. You can also add some spice with red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.

To make the wings, first pat them dry and season them with salt, pepper, and baking powder. Then, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. After that, flip the wings and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy.

If you want to add a sticky sauce, make a glaze by boiling the leftover marinade with cornstarch and water. Brush this glaze over the cooked wings, and enjoy!

Choosing and preparing your chicken wings

Selecting the Chicken Wings:

When purchasing chicken wings for air frying, opt for fresh, good-quality wings. You can buy them from a trusted butcher or a reputable grocery store. Look for wings that have a firm texture and a plump appearance, avoiding any that seem slimy or have an off smell. It's preferable to get wings that are already cut into drumettes and flats, but you can also buy whole wings and separate them yourself.

Preparing the Chicken Wings:

• Defrost the chicken wings if they are frozen. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
• Separate the wings: If you have purchased whole wings, use a sharp knife to separate the drumettes and flats. Feel for the joints before cutting to guide your knife. You can also use your hands to "break" the joint and help with separation.
• Remove the wing tips: This step is optional, but wing tips don't contain much meat and are better suited for making stock. You can save them in a small bag in the freezer for future use.
• Pat the chicken wings dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the wings. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy during cooking.
• Season the wings: Place the wings in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a basic mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other spices. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and preheat it for a few minutes.
• Arrange the wings in the air fryer: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. This arrangement ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Air fry the wings: Follow the recipe's cooking instructions, typically cooking the wings for 10 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 8-12 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the wings.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Sauce and serve: Once the wings are cooked to your liking, toss them with your favorite sauce or glaze. Serve them immediately while they're still hot and crispy!

Preparing chicken wings for air frying is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure thorough cooking. Always wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken. By choosing and preparing your chicken wings carefully, you'll be well on your way to making mouthwatering sticky wings in your air fryer!

Making the sauce

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Sriracha
• Ginger
• Cornstarch
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Firstly, pat the wings completely dry with a paper towel. This will help them get crispy. Then, in a medium-sized bowl, add sesame oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, and ginger. Mix with a whisk for 30 seconds.

Place the wings into the bowl and toss to completely coat them in the sauce. Alternatively, use a ziplock bag to place the wings into and then toss with the sauce.

Place the wings, covered, into the fridge and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Cooking the wings in the air fryer

Next, add your chosen seasoning to a bowl and mix with the wings until they are evenly coated. You can use a ziplock bag for this step if you want to reduce cleanup. Place the wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy.

Cook the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your wings, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.

Once the wings are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite sauce or seasoning. Enjoy!

Glazing the wings

Preparing the Glaze:

First, gather all the ingredients for the glaze. For a simple glaze, you can use a combination of soy sauce, honey, and your choice of spices. Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with different sauces and spices to find your perfect flavour.

Making the Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, and any additional spices you wish to add. Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat until well combined and slightly thickened. You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less liquid, depending on your preference.

Brushing the Glaze:

Once your glaze is ready, it's time to brush it onto the wings. Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and place them in a bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the wings, using a pastry brush to ensure an even coating. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the wings for maximum flavour.

Finishing the Wings:

After glazing, you can choose to finish the wings in the air fryer or the oven. Place the glazed wings back into the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet and cook at a lower temperature, around 350°F, for 5-10 minutes. This step will allow the glaze to caramelize and become nice and sticky. Keep a close eye on the wings to avoid burning the glaze.

Serving the Wings:

Finally, remove the wings from the air fryer or oven and serve them while they're still hot and sticky. You can garnish the wings with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or any other herbs or spices that complement your chosen glaze. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy the delicious, sticky goodness!

Serving suggestions

These sticky wings are perfect as an appetizer for a party or family gathering. You can serve them with a fresh French baguette and sweet chilli sauce, or with your favourite dips such as Cilantro Lime Dip, Chunky Blue Cheese, or Homemade Buffalo Sauce. You can also serve them with a side of corn on the cob, frozen French fries, tater tos, or a simple wedge salad. If you're looking for a heartier option, a scoop of creamy mac and cheese goes very well with these wings.

Frequently asked questions