Air Fryer Firecracker Wings

★★★★★ 5/5

Sizzling Air Fryer Firecracker Wings: Explosive Flavor with a Healthy Twist

Get ready to set your taste buds ablaze with these mouthwatering air fryer firecracker wings! In a world where flavor is king, we’re constantly searching for ways to satisfy our cravings without compromising our health. Enter the air fryer – the culinary superhero that transforms your favorite fried dishes into healthier, guilt-free indulgences. Let’s dive into the world of air-fried deliciousness and learn how to whip up some irresistible firecracker wings that pack a punch of flavor and spice.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, cut into flats and drumettes
1 cup cornstarch
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Olive oil spray

Firecracker Sauce:

3/4 cup hot sauce (I used Frank’s RedHot)
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a large ziplock bag or Better Breader bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Air fry the wings: Before adding wings to the air fryer, spray the base with olive oil. Place the coated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray the top of the wings with more olive oil. Cook for 20-24 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Make the firecracker sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare the firecracker sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Coat the wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the firecracker sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Serve and enjoy: Plate up your tasty air fryer firecracker wings and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, celery sticks, or carrot sticks. Enjoy the explosion of flavors, and don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family!

Air fryer firecracker wings are the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and sweet, making them an irresistible addition to any gathering or game night. With the air fryer’s help, you can achieve the satisfying crunch of traditionally fried wings without the guilt. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these tantalizing firecracker wings, and get ready to impress your guests with a dish that truly brings the heat!

7 Essential Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Firecracker Wings

Pat the wings dry: To achieve the ultimate crispy texture, make sure to pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels before coating them with the seasoning mixture. Removing excess moisture will ensure the cornstarch adheres to the wings and creates a crispy exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For optimal results, place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping them. Overcrowding the basket may result in uneven cooking and less crispy wings. If necessary, cook the wings in batches to maintain the ideal cooking environment.
Flip the wings halfway through: To ensure even cooking and browning, flip the wings halfway through the cooking process. This will help you achieve a consistent, golden-brown crust on both sides of the wings.
Adjust the heat level: Customize the spiciness of your firecracker wings by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the recipe. For a milder version, omit these ingredients entirely, or add more for an extra kick of heat.
Use high-quality hot sauce: The choice of hot sauce is crucial for achieving the signature firecracker flavor. We recommend using a high-quality hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot for the best results. However, feel free to experiment with other hot sauces to find your personal favorite.
Thicken the sauce: To ensure your firecracker sauce adheres well to the wings, simmer the sauce on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken. The thicker consistency will make it easier to coat the wings evenly and create a deliciously sticky glaze.
Let the wings rest: After removing the wings from the air fryer and tossing them with the sauce, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set and create a finger-licking good glaze on your air fryer firecracker wings.

With these essential tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of air frying and whipping up a batch of incredibly tasty firecracker wings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your personal preferences. Happy air frying!