Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings cooked in an air fryer offer a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, making them a perfect choice for those who love the taste of classic chicken wings but prefer a healthier, less oily version. This dish captures the essence of a beloved comfort food, transforming it into a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Air frying provides a wonderfully crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through, enhanced only by the subtle yet punchy kick of salt and pepper. Ideal for gatherings, game nights, or a family dinner, these wings are not only easy to prepare but also cater to the palate of both adults and children alike. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or new to the world of air frying, this Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings recipe promises a satisfyingly crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to a deep-fried classic.
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Overview Of Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by delivering deliciously crispy foods using little to no oil. Chicken wings are a perfect match for air frying. With just a dash of oil and a flavorful coating of spices, you can make restaurant-quality wings right in your kitchen.
The key is choosing the ideal combination of seasonings to highlight the juicy and tender chicken. For an irresistible crunch paired with a savory, slightly spicy kick, salt & pepper chicken wings can’t be beat.
Unlike deep-frying, air frying infuses flavor directly into the meat rather than just coating the outside. But achieving the intense taste of takeout wings requires one special ingredient: chicken powder. This miracle spice blends dried chicken stock with aromatic extracts to recreate that addictive “Chinese restaurant” essence.
Follow this easy recipe below to make finger-licking salt & pepper air fryer chicken wings every time. Crunchy and bursting with flavor, they’ll be your new go-to appetizer for game days, parties, or anytime you crave a wings fix without the extra fat and calories.
Ingredients For Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings
- chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
- oil
- salt
- ground black pepper
- five spice powder
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- chicken powder
Highlight: Chicken Powder
Chicken powder, also labeled as chicken bouillon powder or chicken seasoning, is the essential flavor hack. It mimics the mouthwatering taste of chicken broth with culinary spices like ginger and onion. Store-bought chicken powder dissolves beautifully into the seasoned coating. For homemade, blend 1 cup chicken broth powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of ginger.
Step-By-Step Method
Making crispy salt & pepper wings in the air fryer takes just minutes active prep time. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash and Dry Chicken Wings – Rinse wings and pat extremely dry with paper towels. Dry skin is vital for maximum crunch.
- Combine Seasonings – Whisk together all seasoning ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss Wings in Oil – Place wings in another bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss to evenly coat.
- Coat Wings in Seasoning – Add seasoned wings to the spice mixture. Toss and rub each wing until thoroughly coated.
- Air Fry in Batches – Working in batches, arrange wings in a single layer in air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Cook and Flip – Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat with remaining wings.
Pro Tip: Flipping the wings midway ensures even browning and seasoning distribution for extra crunch.
Why Chicken Powder is Key?
Chicken powder transforms basic wings into five-star fare. The savory chicken flavor penetrates each bite instead of just sitting on the surface. Chicken powder also contributes a hint of MSG-like umami deliciousness. Options like chicken broth granules, soup base, or bouillon cubes don’t integrate as seamlessly into dry rubs. Powder disperses over all the nooks and crannies for full-on flavor.
Air Frying vs. Other Cooking Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Air Fryer | Lower fat, extra crispy skin, quick cooking | Smaller batches, frequent flipping |
| Oven | Easy, hands-off | Longer cook time, less crunch |
| Deep Fryer | Juicy interior, ultimate crispness | High fat, high effort |
Air frying triumphs with its combination of tender and crispy results without all the excess oil. The rapid flow of hot air quickly dehydrates and caramelizes the exterior. At the same time, the inside gently cooks from the convection heat.
Serving Suggestions
Salt and pepper wings pair perfectly with:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – For dipping or drizzling over the top.
- Celery and carrot sticks – For a classic chicken wings platter.
- Coleslaw or potato salad – As delicious complementary sides.
For presentation, arrange wings on a platter lined with lettuce or parchment paper. Garnish with chopped scallions. Serve with wet naps or finger bowls for easy cleanup.
Storage and Reheating
The ultra-crisp skin on air fried wings won’t hold up well if stored. For best results:
- Let wings cool slightly after cooking.
- Transfer to an airtight container once cooled. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat wings in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
The oven will revive the crispiness without making the wings soggy. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will create a soft, rubbery texture.
Customize the Flavor Profile
The basic salt and pepper coating provides the perfect canvas to layer on other flavors:
- For hot wings – Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce.
- For lemon pepper – Add lemon zest and black pepper.
- For Cajun – Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper.
- For garlic Parmesan – Toss cooked wings in melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
Take this recipe as a starting point and make it your own with personalized spice blends and innovative sauces.
Conclusion
These easy salt and pepper air fryer chicken wings will be your new go-to for irresistibly juicy, tender chicken encapsulated in a shatteringly crisp exterior. The addition of tasty chicken powder replicates the savory flavors of takeout wings. Ditch the deep fryer and enjoy lighter, healthier wings boasting a crave-worthy crunch. Adjust the warm spices to suit your heat preference and experiment with different flavors. Your friends and family will be begging for your secret recipe, so you better make extra.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken wings (flats and drums preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1.5 Tbsp (optional) White sugar
- 1 Tbsp (optional) Cooking wine (Shaoxing or Mirin)
- 1 tsp (optional) Soy sauce
- 1 tsp (optional) Fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp Canola oil or avocado oil spray
- Dry seasonings (to taste):
- - Garlic powder
- - White pepper
- - Onion powder (optional)
- - Fresh chives (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, you can cut the wings at the joint to separate the drumette from the flat (optional).
- Marinate (Optional): In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, and any other desired dry seasonings. If using, add the cooking wine, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Air Fry the Wings: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes (consult your air fryer's manual for preheating instructions). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. This allows for even air circulation and crisping.
- Cook and Crisp: Cook the wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Depending on your air fryer and desired level of crispiness, you may need additional cook time. Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the wings to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives (optional) and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Batch Cooking: If your air fryer is small, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and crisping.
- Checking for Crispiness: During the last few minutes of cooking, keep an eye on the wings and adjust the cook time if needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
- Dipping Options: Pair these wings with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sweet chili sauce, or a simple seasoned soy sauce mixture.
- Leftovers: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Nutrition Facts
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings (Airfryer)
Serves: 4 persons
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Amount Per Serving: 1 bowl
|
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|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 13 | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat 4 | 20% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 85 | 28.3% | |
| Sodium 480 | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 1 | 0.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0 | 0 | |
| Sugars 1 | ||
| Protein 14 | ||
| Vitamin A Negligible | Vitamin C Negligible | |
| Calcium 10 | Iron 2 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me