Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings (Airfryer) | Quick & Easy Recipe

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:

1. Wash and Dry Chicken Wings – Rinse wings and pat extremely dry with paper towels. Dry skin is vital for maximum crunch.
2. Combine Seasonings – Whisk together all seasoning ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Toss Wings in Oil – Place wings in another bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss to evenly coat.
4. Coat Wings in Seasoning – Add seasoned wings to the spice mixture. Toss and rub each wing until thoroughly coated.
5. Air Fry in Batches – Working in batches, arrange wings in a single layer in air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
6. 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

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.