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Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings General Tso Wings

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Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings General Tso Wings – Are you a Buffalo Wild Wings’ General Tso Wings fan? How about making your version at home with an air fryer?

You can now recreate that famous flavor in your kitchen without the risk of overcooking and burning. With minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, these air fryer copycat Buffalo Wild Wings General Tso’s wings are here to satisfy all your cravings! Ready for some deliciousness?

Let’s jump into this easy-to-follow recipe – perfect for game day or any special occasion.

Air Fryer General Tso Wings

Wings have always been a favorite treat for many, whether it’s game day, a backyard barbecue, or a casual movie night.

And when you infuse the mouthwatering flavors of General Tso’s sauce into these wings and cook them to crispy perfection in an air fryer, you elevate this classic snack to a new level.

Say goodbye to the mess and calories of deep frying and hello to the healthier, quicker, and just as delicious world of Air Fryer General Tso Wings. Dive into this post to discover how to make these irresistibly sticky, spicy, and savory wings conveniently in your home. Let’s wing it the Air Fryer way!

How To Cook General Tso Wings In Air Fryer

What Are General Tso Wings?

General Tso Wings are inspired by the popular Chinese-American dish, General Tso’s Chicken. This dish is renowned for its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, which come from a unique sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and dried red chili peppers. The chicken, usually in bite-sized pieces, is traditionally deep-fried until crispy and then tossed in this signature sauce.

Translating this concept to wings, General Tso Wings are chicken wings coated and fried (or air-fried) until they achieve a crispy exterior, then drenched or served with the iconic General Tso’s sauce.

The result is a fusion of crispy, juicy chicken wings and the addictive flavors of General Tso, making it a favorite for many who enjoy Asian-inspired flavors in their snacks. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these wings offer a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, ensuring each bite is nothing short of flavorful ecstasy.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings General Tso Wings

General Tso’s Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish. If you’re looking for an at-home way to enjoy restaurant-quality General Tso’s wings, trying them in your air fryer may be the answer!

Cooking up restaurant-worthy General Tso wings right in the comfort of your home can save you time and money – plus, they taste just as delicious as their take-out counterpart. Not sure what ingredients are needed for air frying these tasty buffalo wild wings?

Read on for the necessary information to make a solid copycat version of this take-out classic.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Wings: The star of the show, chicken wings provide a meaty, juicy base that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, creating the perfect canvas for General Tso’s sauce.
General Tso’s Sauce: A harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this sauce combines soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, garlic, and dried red chili peppers to recreate that signature Buffalo Wild Wings taste right home.

How To Cook General Tso Wings In Air Fryer

Are you a fan of General Tso Chicken but looking for something new? If you answer yes, these General Tso Wings are the perfect option! They provide just the right balance of sweetness and spiciness that characterize traditional Chinese-American dishes while still being light and airy enough to make them succulent.

Not only are they pleasing to the taste buds, but they’re also incredibly easy to cook in an air fryer.

Below, we’ll walk through how to prepare these delicious General Tso wings from start to finish so you can enjoy all their flavorful goodness without spanning multiple pans or having too much cleanup afterward!

How To Make Chicken Wings In Ninja Foodi

Preparation:

Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. This step ensures the wings get crispy in the air fryer.

Toss the wings with a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add a light dusting of baking powder (about 1 tablespoon for 2 pounds of wings) to enhance crispiness.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This step ensures even cooking right from the start.

Cook the Wings:

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching or overcrowded (you may need to cook in batches).

Fry the wings at 38 degrees F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then flip each wing over.

Increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and fry for another 10-12 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the General Tso’s Sauce:

While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine ready-made General Tso’s sauce (available at most grocery stores) with a splash of soy sauce, a spoonful of minced ginger, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you desire extra heat.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cook for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.

Toss the Wings:

Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the General Tso’s sauce over the wings, tossing well to ensure they are evenly coated.

Serve:

Serve the wings immediately while hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes or dips!

Note: Cooking times may vary slightly based on the wings’ size and the air fryer’s specific model. Always check the internal temperature of the wings to ensure they’ve reached 165°F (74°C).

Pro Tips For Cooking General Tso Wings In Air Fryer

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer General Tso Wings:

Pat Dry: Always pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning or cooking. Dry wings ensure a crispier finish as the air fryer isn’t dealing with excess moisture.
Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause the wings to cook unevenly. Always ensure that the wings are in a single layer with space in between each one. Cook in batches if necessary.
Flip for Even Cooking: Midway through cooking, flip each wing to ensure even crisping and browning on both sides.
Baking Powder Trick: A small amount of baking powder (not baking soda) can be mixed with the salt when seasoning the wings. This alkaline powder raises the pH level of the chicken skin, making it more crisp when cooked.
Homemade Sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own General Tso’s sauce from scratch. Fresh ingredients can elevate the flavor of the dish.
Watch the Sugar: General Tso’s sauce typically contains sugar, which can burn quickly at high temperatures. It’s best to toss the wings in the sauce after air frying to prevent potential burning.
Garnish: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish. Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or even freshly chopped cilantro can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Check Internal Temperature: Always ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Use Preheating: Many people skip the preheating step with air fryers, but taking the time to preheat can lead to even better, consistent results.
Cleanup: To make cleanup easier, consider placing parchment paper or aluminum foil at the bottom of the air fryer (not where the holes are). But be careful; ensure they don’t block the air circulation, which can affect cooking results.

Remember, achieving the perfect wing takes practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different temperatures or cooking times to find the perfect balance for your particular air fryer model.

What’s the difference between General Tso’s Chicken and General Tso’s Wings?

General Tso’s Chicken typically involves deep-fried chicken pieces that are then tossed in the sauce. With wings, the process is similar, but uses the whole wing or wingettes/drumettes instead of chicken pieces.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, you can cook frozen wings in the air fryer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. It’s always best to thaw the wings before cooking if possible.

Do I need to marinate the wings first?

Marinating is optional. If you do choose to marinate, ensure you pat the wings dry before air frying to ensure a crispy finish.

How spicy are General Tso’s Wings?

The spiciness can vary based on the sauce. You can adjust the heat level to your liking by controlling the number of dried red chilies or chili paste used in the sauce.

How do I store leftover wings?

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce and double-check other ingredients to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.

Can I make my own General Tso’s sauce?

Yes, many people make their own sauce using ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and dried red chilies.

Why are my wings not crispy?

Wings might not be crispy if they were not dried properly, if the air fryer was overcrowded, or if the cooking temperature/time wasn’t optimal.

Can I double the recipe?

You can make as many wings as you like, but remember not to overcrowd the air fryer. It’s best to cook in batches to ensure each wing gets crispy.

Is air-frying healthier than deep-frying?

Generally, yes. Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying, reducing the overall fat and calorie content of the dish.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used:

COSORI Air Fryer, 5 Quart Compact Oilless Oven, 30 Recipes, Dark Grey & Accessories, Set of 6 Fit All 3.7Qt, 4.2Qt Air Fryer, BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe, Nonstick Coating

Air Fryer General Tso Wings offer a delightful fusion of crispiness and flavor, redefining the experience of enjoying this popular dish. Using the air fryer cuts back on the calories and mess associated with deep-frying and ensures a consistently crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy inside.

Every bite becomes a gastronomic journey with the spicy and sweet notes of the General Tso sauce. Whether you’re looking for a game day snack, a weeknight treat, or simply aiming to recreate that takeout flavor at home, this method promises restaurant-quality wings right from your kitchen. So, the next time the craving strikes, remember your air fryer is your best ally for those perfect General Tso Wings!