Craving a delicious and addictive appetizer or snack that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these crispy, succulent sweet and sour chicken wings! Forget greasy takeout – this air fryer recipe delivers perfectly golden-brown wings with a tangy, sweet glaze that will have you licking your fingers. We've perfected the balance of sweet and sour, ensuring a flavor explosion in every bite, without the guilt of deep-frying. These wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a simple weeknight treat.
Using readily available ingredients and a simple air fryer technique, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. Ready to dive into the juicy details and create your own batch of irresistible sweet and sour chicken wings? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- Chicken wings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder
- Chili sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oyster sauce
- Fried flour
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon or Kumquat: Optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prepare Wings
- Marinate chicken wings with salt, pepper, chili powder (optional), chili sauce (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, and oyster sauce. Let it marinate to absorb flavors and become fragrant.
- Coat chicken wings with fried flour.
Step 2. Air Fry the Wings
- Air fry chicken wings for 10 minutes on each side (total 20 minutes) at 160-180 degrees.
Step 3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Mix water, chili sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar. Blend well.
Step 4. Coat, Simmer, and Serve
- Once chicken wings are fried, add them to the sauce and coat evenly.
- Simmer the chicken wings in the sauce until the sauce thickens. Alternatively, you can reduce the sauce separately and then add the chicken.
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- If you don't like spicy food, omit the chili powder and chili sauce.
- Using an air fryer reduces oil usage, making the chicken less greasy.
- If you don't want to use vinegar, you can substitute with lemon or kumquat juice.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but you'll need to add a few minutes to the cooking time and ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking. Pat them dry before air frying.
2. What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work well as substitutes for cornstarch in this recipe. They will give a similar thickening effect to the sauce.
3. How do I store leftover wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
These air fryer sweet and sour chicken wings offer a healthier, faster, and equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness!