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Whenever I'm craving something spicy but want to skip the greasy cleanup, I make these Air-Fryer Peri Peri Chicken Wings. Each bite packs a punch, and because you make your own peri peri mix with everyday stuff, they're saucy and crisp every time.
From my first batch, these wings made my kitchen smell incredible. Now, every time the air fryer gets going, I can’t help thinking about that tasty, peppery kick from peri peri sauce.
Bold Ingredients
- Cornstarch: Makes the wings crazy crunchy Fine-grain kinds are best for a light coating
- Chicken wing sections: Grab about twelve pieces Fresh ones are way juicier Ask your butcher to snip them for you
- Smoked paprika: Adds rich color and a hint of smoke Go with Spanish if possible
- Ground peri peri pepper: Essential for that classic spicy African kick No luck finding it? Cayenne plus smoked chili powder does the trick
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but key Cracked pepper turns up the flavor
- Salt: Sprinkle some inside the sauce and on the wings Sea salt tastes clean
- Vinegar: Brings out the tang Apple cider or plain white both work
- Louisiana cayenne pepper sauce: Delivers heat and tang The less additives, the better
- Garlic powder: Savory and warming Granulated works best so it mixes evenly
- Melted butter: The smooth saucy base Go for the real stuff, not margarine
- Fresh lemon juice: Makes the sauce pop Pick lemons that feel heavy and juicy
Effortless Step-by-Step
- Sauce and Serve:
- Right after air frying when your wings are perfectly brown and crunchy, dump them in a big bowl. Pour on the peri peri glaze and use a spatula or toss by hand so every piece gets sauced up. Want it extra spicy? Drizzle a little more on top right before you eat
- Arrange and Air Fry:
- Put the coated wing pieces on your air fryer tray in a flat single layer—don’t let them pile up or they'll go soggy. Set it at 390°F. Give them around forty to thirty-five minutes to cook, turning them every ten minutes to get all sides super crispy. Look for a golden crust
- Prep the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the wings with paper towels so they’re really dry This helps the coating stick all over. Shake salt and pepper on each piece then dust them in cornstarch. Knock off extra powder or they’ll turn out gummy instead of crisp
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce:
- To throw together your sauce, whisk butter, cayenne pepper sauce, fresh lemon juice, vinegar, peri peri chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Blend it until everything is totally smooth and you’ve got a bright-orange glaze
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Smoked paprika totally steals the show in these wings. I love how its scent fills my kitchen—takes me right back to hanging with buddies and munching wings straight from the bowl. This batch always means good times and stories to share.
Smart Storage
Let any wings you want to save cool all the way before moving them to a sealed container in the fridge. They're still great up to three days later. For best crunch, reheat them in the air fryer—not the microwave—so they stay crispy instead of turning soggy.
Swaps That Work
No peri peri pepper handy? Mixing cayenne with smoked chili powder gets close. Switch out cayenne hot sauce for any other hot sauce that's got some tang. Just make sure it's bold and vinegary so you don't miss that kick.
Tasty Pairings
These wings shine on their own but dip them in ranch or blue cheese for a cool-down. Pair with crunchy veg like celery or carrots, or throw in a crisp salad. An ice-cold drink is perfect for dialing back the heat.
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Roots and Story
The peri peri mashup comes from African and Portuguese kitchens, famous for bold, spicy, smoky sauces. That combo of chili, citrus, and rich smoke is something everyone can get behind—whether you crave the heat or just want a tasty change from the usual wings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the trick for super crispy wings?
Powder them with cornstarch, then leave a gap between each wing in the air fryer basket. Flip them a couple times to help them brown everywhere.
- → How do I turn down the heat in peri peri sauce?
Just use less cayenne or peri peri pepper. You can also calm it down with a bit more butter or add honey to mellow out the spice.
- → Should I use fresh lemon juice or is bottled okay?
Fresh squeezed lemon gives a nice zing, but honestly, bottled works okay too if that's what you've got on hand.
- → Could I bake the wings if I don't have an air fryer?
Definitely. Put them in a convection oven at the same temp and give them a flip every 10 minutes for crispy skin.
- → How much time does it take for the wings to cook?
Usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes at 390°F. Turn them a few times so they crisp up all over.