Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

This air fryer Chinese chicken wings recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings with minimal effort. The wings come out deliciously crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside, infused with authentic Chinese flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant.

I first created this recipe when I was craving takeout but wanted something healthier. After several attempts to perfect the balance of spices and cooking technique, these wings have become our go to weekend treat. My family now requests them for every game day gathering.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings provide the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat perfect for air frying
• Peanut oil adds a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the Chinese profile use vegetable oil as a neutral alternative
• Shaoxing wine brings authentic Chinese flavor and helps tenderize the meat dry sherry works well as a substitute
• Light soy sauce contributes savory umami flavor without overpowering the other seasonings
• Ground ginger infuses warmth and aromatic notes throughout the wings
• Salt enhances all flavors and helps create a crispy exterior
• Sugar balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness
• Garlic powder adds depth and complexity without burning like fresh garlic might
• White pepper powder provides a clean heat that complements Chinese flavors better than black pepper
• Cornstarch and flour mixture creates the perfect light crispy coating
• Oil spray ensures even browning and prevents dry spots

How To Make Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings

Marinate the chicken

Combine chicken wings with oil, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, ground ginger, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and white pepper in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Massage thoroughly until evenly coated. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. If short on time, marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Prepare for cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Thoroughly drain the marinated wings and discard the liquid. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures crispy skin. Mix cornstarch and flour in a small bowl, then coat the wings evenly. The coating should appear somewhat dry with a light dusting of flour visible.

Air fry to perfection

Arrange wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, placing them skin side down initially. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary. Spray lightly with oil to eliminate any dry flour spots. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Smaller wings need about 6 minutes per side, while larger ones require about 8 minutes per side. The wings are done when they turn golden brown and crispy.

Ground ginger is my secret ingredient in this recipe. While fresh ginger is wonderful in many dishes, I find ground ginger distributes more evenly throughout the marinade, infusing every bite with warm, aromatic flavor. This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, where she would serve similar wings alongside steamed rice and vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

These wings are perfect for meal prepping. You can marinate them up to 48 hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated until ready to cook. The longer marination actually improves the flavor. After cooking, leftover wings will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating as it makes the skin soggy.

Perfect Pairings

These wings make an excellent appetizer on their own, but they also shine as part of a complete meal. Serve them with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful juices. For a vibrant contrast, pair with stir fried vegetables like bok choy or Chinese broccoli. For entertaining, create an Asian inspired spread with spring rolls, vegetable dumplings, and these wings as the centerpiece. A cold Asian slaw with rice vinegar dressing complements the warm spices in the wings beautifully.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe creates authentic Chinese flavored wings, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences. For a spicy version, add 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns and 1 tablespoon of chili oil to the marinade. For a sweeter profile, increase the sugar to 1 tablespoon and add 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce. You can also create a lemongrass variation by replacing the ground ginger with 2 tablespoons of minced lemongrass and adding 1 tablespoon of lime juice to the marinade.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! These wings are perfect for making ahead. You can marinate them overnight in the refrigerator (recommended for best flavor), then simply coat and air fry when ready to serve. You can also fully cook them, refrigerate, and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

→ How do I ensure my wings get crispy in the air fryer?

For maximum crispiness: thoroughly pat the wings dry after marinating, ensure the cornstarch/flour coating is even, arrange wings in a single layer without overcrowding, spray lightly with oil before cooking, and flip halfway through cooking time for even browning.

→ What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry is the best substitute for Shaoxing wine. In a pinch, you could also use rice wine, mirin (reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly), or even a dry white wine, though the flavor profile will change somewhat.

→ Do I need to flip the wings during cooking?

While flipping the wings halfway through cooking promotes more even crisping, it's not absolutely necessary. If you choose not to flip, place them skin-side up initially. Smaller wings should be flipped around the 6-minute mark, while larger wings around the 8-minute mark.

→ How can I make these wings gluten-free?

To make these wings gluten-free, substitute dry sherry for the Shaoxing wine and use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Also replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or additional cornstarch.

→ What sides pair well with these wings?

These Chinese-style wings pair wonderfully with steamed rice, vegetable stir-fry, cucumber salad, scallion pancakes, or simple steamed vegetables. For a complete appetizer spread, serve with spring rolls, dumplings, or a selection of dipping sauces.