Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe

If you’re craving crowd-pleasing wings that are outrageously juicy inside and crisped to utter perfection outside, you’ve got to try these Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings. This recipe brings together classic Chinese flavors, a whisper of warming spice, and the unbelievable convenience of the air fryer, creating a finger-licking batch of wings that rivals what you’ll find at your favorite restaurant—without a drop of deep frying! Whether you’re serving them straight from the basket on game day or dressing them up for a special dinner, these wings will have everyone swooning from the very first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the bold, irresistible flavor of Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings, you only need a handful of ingredients—most of which you might already have on hand. Each one plays a distinct role: bringing tenderness, infusing aromatic notes, and delivering that coveted crispy coating.

• Chicken Wings: Go for party wings (drumettes and flats); they crisp beautifully and are easy to eat.
• Peanut Oil: Adds subtle depth and gently helps the seasoning stick to each wing.
• Shaoxing Wine: This traditional Chinese cooking wine infuses a delicate complexity; dry sherry works if you need a substitute.
• Light Soy Sauce: Gives the wings a savory backbone and that classic umami taste we all love.
• Ground Ginger: Brings warmth and a gentle bite that lifts the other flavors.
• Salt: Essential for amplifying all the other seasonings and creating a balanced marinade.
• Sugar: Just a touch enhances the caramelization and balances the savory notes.
• Garlic Powder: Lends aromatic, garlicky undertones without overpowering the dish.
• White Pepper Powder: Offers a uniquely gentle and slightly earthy heat distinct from black pepper.
• Cornstarch: Critical for a light, shatteringly crisp exterior—don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch, it creates the perfect crust for each wing.
• Oil Spray: Ensures the coating crisps evenly and there are no chalky bits.

How to Make Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings

Step 1: Marinate the Wings

The key to lip-smacking, flavorful Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings is all in the marinade. Toss your wings with peanut oil, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and white pepper until they’re thoroughly coated. If you can, marinate them overnight in the fridge—this deepens the flavors and ensures every bite is juicy and seasoned through. Pressed for time? Two hours at room temperature will still give you loads of flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your wings are soaking up all that goodness, get your air fryer ready. Preheating to 350°F (176°C) ensures the basket is hot enough to start crisping the skin right away, giving you that irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Wings for Crispiness

When it’s time to cook, drain the wings from the marinade and pat them dry—this step is crucial to achieving the best texture. Mix your cornstarch and flour in a separate bowl, then tumble the wings to coat them thoroughly. The result should be a mostly dry coating, which transforms into a crunchy shell in the air fryer.

Step 4: Arrange and Oil the Wings

Lay the wings skin-side down in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket. Don’t crowd them; it’s better to cook in batches so hot air can circulate and crisp every nook and cranny. Spray the wings evenly with oil spray, making sure no dry spots remain—this helps seal the coating and promotes even browning.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Air fry those beautiful wings for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a deep golden color and a satisfyingly crisp finish. Each wing should sing with flavor and practically beg to be devoured. If your air fryer runs hot or cool, check for doneness around the 12-minute mark and adjust as needed—no one likes an overcooked wing!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings

Garnishes

These wings are a joy all on their own, but a finishing flourish never hurts! Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions or cilantro for a hit of color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds lend a nutty aroma, while a scatter of sliced red chilies adds instant vibrancy (and a little extra kick, if you dare).

Side Dishes

While Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings can easily steal the show, they love a supporting cast. Serve them with steaming bowls of jasmine rice, cool cucumber salad, or a platter of quick stir-fried veggies. They also pair beautifully with pickled daikon or classic Chinese egg drop soup for a full flavor adventure.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, go beyond the usual platter! Try serving the wings stacked atop a bed of shredded lettuce, set them in cute parchment cones for parties, or arrange them around a dipping sauce carousel so everyone can sample soy, sweet chili, or extra-spicy Szechuan dips. The crisp wings look gorgeous no matter how you display them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftover Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings, cool them completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or next-day lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, pack them in zip-top bags or airtight containers. This prevents sticking and keeps each wing as crisp as possible—the wings will keep happily in your freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

For best results, re-crisp your wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This restores their glorious crunch without drying out the meat. Skip the microwave (which can make the coating soggy), unless you’re truly in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Drumsticks or boneless thigh pieces work wonderfully, though you may need to tweak the cooking time. Just make sure the pieces aren’t too crowded so you still get that crispy surface.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry or even a splash of rice wine vinegar will give you similar complex notes. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still taste absolutely fantastic.

How do I make these wings spicier?

Want an extra kick? Stir a bit of chili powder or five-spice blend into your marinade. Or, finish the cooked wings with a drizzle of chili oil or a pile of sliced fresh chilies—the options are endless!

Do I need to flip the wings halfway?

Yes, flipping ensures that both sides get evenly golden and crispy. If you forget, don’t worry—they’ll still taste great, but the skin won’t get quite as shatteringly crisp on one side.

Can I double the recipe in my air fryer?

You can—in batches! Avoid overcrowding the basket, as air needs to circulate for maximum crunch. Simply cook one layer at a time, keeping finished wings warm in a low oven if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to discover just how crave-worthy homemade wings can be, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings. They’re easy, deeply flavorful, and seriously fun to eat. One bite and you’ll see why these wings are always at the top of my snack and party food list—give them a try and let them win you over!

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