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Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Name: Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings (trimmed and patted dry); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for spraying); 2 green onions (sliced (for garnish)); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: August 7, 2019

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These Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are crispy, savory, and full of bold flavor. Coated with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic, the wings cook to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier, mess-free option. They’re the perfect snack or appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy!

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Chinese Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, seasoned with bold flavors for a delicious snack or meal.

Craving crispy, flavorful chicken wings without the deep frying? These Air Fryer Chinese Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings are packed with bold flavors and cooked to perfection in the air fryer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality wings right at home—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside!

So, the next time you head to the grocery store, pick up some wings, and come home and make these up!

They are easy, and they are delicious!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Wing Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS, AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS WITH BUFFALO SAUCE, AIR FRYER TYSON CHICKEN WINGS, and EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS.

Golden and crispy Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings, seasoned with a savory salt and pepper blend for a delicious snack or meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

✅ Crispy and Juicy: Air frying gives the wings a perfect crispy texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
✅ Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s easy to prepare without any complicated steps.
✅ Bold Flavor: The salt and pepper seasoning creates a deliciously savory, restaurant-quality taste.
✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or appetizer.
✅ Versatile: Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or as a main dish paired with your favorite sides.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken Wings: Fresh, whole chicken wings, cut into sections.
Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the seasoning.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery flavor.
Garlic Powder: Brings savory depth to the seasoning mix.
Cornstarch: Helps crisp up the wings for extra crunch.
Vegetable Oil: Lightly coats the wings for even crisping.
Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nutty flavor to the wings.

How To Make Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Tossing chicken wings in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to evenly coat.

Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture when air frying.

Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.

Placing seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket, spraying with vegetable oil, and air frying until golden and crispy.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fry the Wings: Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with vegetable oil. Air fry at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Cooked Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings in the air fryer basket.

Prepare the Garnish: While the wings are cooking, slice 2 green onions and set aside.

Finish the Wings: Once the wings are done, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss them to coat evenly.

Serve: Sprinkle the wings with sliced green onions and an additional pinch of salt and pepper before serving.

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, perfect for a savory treat.

Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings Air Fryer Recipe Tips

Pat the Wings Dry: Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier result.
Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the seasoning mix helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For even cooking and crisping, place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches.
Flip the Wings: Shake or flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Lightly Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the wings with vegetable oil before air frying to enhance crispiness and help the seasoning adhere better.
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. You can also add garlic powder, chili flakes, or a sprinkle of five-spice powder for extra flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the wings right away to enjoy them at their crispiest. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crunch.

Storing

Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing: To freeze the wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the wings in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic for a savory, flavorful snack.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo, or try a refreshing coleslaw to balance the savory flavor. For a lighter option, serve with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or cucumber, which offer a crunchy contrast. You can also pair the wings with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip or a tangy spicy mayo for dipping. These wings are versatile and make a great addition to any meal or party spread!

Air Fryer Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but be sure to thaw them first for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can air fry them directly from frozen, but you may need to add extra cooking time.

Can I make this recipe with other seasonings? Absolutely! While salt and pepper are the base, you can easily customize the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, or your favorite seasoning blends to suit your taste.

Do I need to flip the wings during cooking? Yes, flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

How can I make the wings extra crispy? Lightly spray the wings with cooking oil before air frying to enhance crispiness. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, allowing the hot air to circulate freely for a crispier result.

Can I use other types of chicken, like drumsticks? Yes, you can use drumsticks, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Plate of Air Fryer Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings with fresh herbs.

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