Air-Fried Wings: Instant Pot Perfection

Making chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy results. This guide will show you how to make chicken wings using an Instant Pot Air Fryer.

How to make a dry rub for chicken wings

Making a dry rub for chicken wings is a simple process and a great way to add flavour to your wings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a dry rub for chicken wings:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A basic dry rub for chicken wings typically includes a combination of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavour.

Once you have your spices ready, it's time to mix them together. Combine equal parts of each spice in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the proportions to your taste preferences. If you like your wings on the spicier side, add more cayenne or chilli powder. If you prefer a smokier flavour, increase the amount of smoked paprika. Play around with the ratios until you find your perfect blend.

Now that your dry rub is mixed, it's time to prepare the chicken wings. Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the dry rub adhere better to the wings. You can also make small cuts or slashes on the surface of the wings to allow the rub to penetrate deeper and enhance the flavour.

Next, apply the dry rub generously to the chicken wings. Sprinkle the rub over the wings, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, working them into the slashes or cuts you made. You can also place the wings in a large resealable bag, add the dry rub, and shake to coat them evenly.

At this point, you have the option to let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This step is not necessary, but it allows the flavours of the dry rub to penetrate the meat deeper, resulting in more flavourful wings.

Finally, cook your chicken wings according to your preferred method, such as baking, grilling, or air frying. The dry rub will enhance the flavour of the wings and create a delicious, crispy exterior.

Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations and adjust the quantities to suit your taste. You can also try adding brown sugar or other sweet elements to your dry rub for a sweet and spicy flavour profile. Enjoy making your perfect chicken wings!

How to cook frozen chicken wings in an instant pot air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan
• Any other spices of your choice
• Fresh vegetables, to serve
• Sauce, to serve

Method

• If your chicken wings are frozen in one big block, you will first need to separate them. The best way to do this is to pressure cook them for about ten minutes. Place 3 cups of water (2 cups for a 6-quart model) into the Instant Pot, put a trivet in the water, and place the frozen chicken wings on top. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes, then do a quick release of the pressure. Remove the wings using tongs, drain the liquid, separate them, and pat them dry.
• If your wings are already separated, you can skip the previous step. Pat the wings dry with paper towels, removing all excess moisture from the skin.
• Place the wings in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, grated parmesan, and any other spices you like. Toss gently to coat the wings evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until they are as crispy as you like.
• Serve the wings hot with fresh vegetables and your choice of sauce.

Tips:

• If you want to add a sauce to your wings, you can toss them in the sauce after cooking, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
• If you want extra crispy wings, you can cook them in smaller batches to increase the air circulation around the wings.
• Always check the internal temperature of the wings before serving; the safe temperature is 165°F in the thickest part of the wing.

How to make buffalo sauce for chicken wings

Making buffalo sauce for chicken wings is simple and only requires a few ingredients. The sauce is rich, tangy, and spicy, and can be used in many ways beyond coating chicken wings.

To make your own buffalo sauce, you will need:

• Hot sauce: A cayenne pepper hot sauce like Frank's RedHot, Crystal Hot Sauce, Tabasco, or a locally made hot sauce.
• Butter: For richness and a buttery flavour. Vegan butter works too.
• Honey (optional): To balance the sharp hot sauce and make the sauce thick and glossy.
• Garlic powder: For a savory, umami flavour.
• Paprika: For an earthy, peppery complexity.

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a medium-sized pan over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the other ingredients. That's it! You can store your homemade buffalo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you want to make your buffalo sauce spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper. For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce used.

How to make honey ginger sriracha sauce for chicken wings

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of butter (melted)
• 6 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 4 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger
• Honey
• Garlic
• Green onions

Method:

• In a bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, ginger, and garlic.
• Toss the cooked wings in the sauce.
• Return the wings to the air fryer basket in batches and air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes or until the sauce is sticky and the wings are well glazed.
• Garnish with green onions before serving.

Tips:

• You can make the sauce while the chicken is cooking in the air fryer.
• If you want to reduce the spice, reduce the amount of ginger and add a little extra garlic.
• You can also make a lighter version of the sauce by mixing the Sriracha with water or lime juice and microwaving for 10-20 seconds.

How to make spicy garlic parmesan sauce for chicken wings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2-1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• Chicken wings

Method:

• Mix the dry ingredients in a small cup to make a dry rub.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel.
• Sprinkle the chicken with half the dry rub. Turn and sprinkle the rest on the other side of the chicken.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and spices to the melted butter, then stir to combine.
• Toss the cooked chicken wings in the sauce and place them on a serving platter.

This sauce can also be made by blending the ingredients in a food processor.

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