If you adore crispy, flavorful wings but want to skip the deep frying mess, you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe. These wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, bursting with that classic Chinese seasoning that’s subtly sweet, savory, and a touch spicy. The magic lies in the straightforward marinade combined with the air fryer’s ability to create a guilt-free, crunchy finish without soaking the wings in oil. Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or a main dish, this recipe is guaranteed to become an instant favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these wings irresistible. From the aromatic Shaoxing wine to the delicate balance of spices, every component works harmoniously to elevate this dish.
- 2 lb chicken wings: The perfect size to get crispy skin and juicy meat inside with plenty of sauce clinging to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil: Adds a subtle nutty taste and helps the marinade penetrate the wings beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine: A traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Provides a salty umami base that seasons the wings perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings warmth and a gentle zing to brighten the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky aroma without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper powder: Offers a subtle peppery kick typical in Chinese cuisine.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create that signature crispy coating on the wings.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to give an even and crunchy crust.
- Oil spray: Used to lightly coat the wings for a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Wings
Start by combining peanut oil, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, ground ginger, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and white pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken wings in this flavorful mixture, making sure each is fully coated. Letting the wings marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if time allows, allows those aromatic spices and seasonings to really soak into the meat, building deep, rich flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While the wings are marinating, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure the wings cook evenly, crisp up nicely, and stay tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. When you’re ready to cook, toss each marinated wing in this dry mixture. This coating is what creates the coveted crispy texture that mimics traditional fried wings, only without the excess oil.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray
Place the coated wings in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. A light spray of oil over the wings will help them reach that beautiful golden crispiness we all love so much.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy
Cook the wings for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides achieve an even, irresistible golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is perfectly crisp and the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your wings with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. A squeeze of lime can also brighten the flavor, introducing a lovely tang that balances the savory richness of the wings.
Side Dishes
These wings pair beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy Asian slaw. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing also complements the bold flavors while keeping things refreshing and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these wings on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like sweet chili, hoisin, or a spicy Sriracha mayo. You can also turn them into sliders by placing the wing meat inside mini buns with crunchy pickles and a drizzle of hoisin sauce, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and still retain good flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these wings by arranging them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings keep well for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the wings back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway until warmed through and crispy. This method restores the crunch much better than a microwave, preserving all that delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use drumettes instead of chicken wings?
Absolutely! Drumettes work just as well with this Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe, but keep in mind they might need an extra minute or two to fully cook through because they are meatier than wing flats.
Is Shaoxing wine necessary in this recipe?
Shaoxing wine adds a unique depth of flavor typical of Chinese cooking, but if you don’t have any on hand, dry sherry or even a splash of sake can be a good substitute. Avoid skipping it entirely to maintain the authentic taste.
How crunchy will these wings be compared to deep-fried ones?
While air frying produces a slightly lighter crisp than deep frying, these wings are wonderfully crunchy thanks to the cornstarch and flour coating combined with the oil spray. You’ll get that satisfying texture without the grease.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to ensure wings cook evenly in the air fryer?
Make sure to arrange the wings in a single layer without overcrowding and flip them halfway through cooking. This allows hot air to circulate properly and ensures every wing crisps up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe is nothing short of a revelation for anyone craving crispy, flavor-packed wings without the hassle of deep frying. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and delivers fantastic results that are sure to impress family and friends. Trust me, once you try these wings, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for game day, gatherings, or just a delicious treat anytime you want a little taste of Chinese comfort food at home.
Print
Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings marinated in a blend of traditional Chinese seasonings, then coated and air fried to perfection for a deliciously healthy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lb chicken wings
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper powder
Coating
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Cooking
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Wings: In a large bowl, combine peanut oil, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, ground ginger, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and white pepper powder. Add the chicken wings, stirring to coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the Wings: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Drain the wings from the marinade slightly and coat each wing thoroughly with the flour mixture for a crispy finish.
- Arrange Wings in Air Fryer: Place the coated wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the wings with oil to enhance crispiness during cooking.
- Air Fry the Wings: Cook the wings for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat wings dry with paper towels before marinating.
- Adjust salt according to your taste or dietary requirements.
- You can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry if needed.
- Flip the wings carefully halfway through to maintain coating integrity.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
