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Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken Wings

Crispy, spicy chicken wings coated in a tangy homemade peri peri sauce. These air-fried wings deliver restaurant-quality flavor with less oil and mess than traditional frying methods.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: African-Portuguese Fusion
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Wings
  • 1-1/4 pounds chicken wing sections approximately 12 pieces
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Peri Peri Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons Louisiana-style cayenne pepper sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons ground peri peri pepper
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Peri Peri Sauce
  2. Combine melted butter, Louisiana-style cayenne pepper sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, ground peri peri pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the wings.
  3. Prepare the Chicken Wings
  4. Pat chicken wing sections dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season evenly with salt and black pepper, then dredge each wing in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent clumping during cooking.
  5. Air Fry the Wings
  6. Arrange the coated wing sections in a single layer on a mesh air-fryer tray, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, turning the wings every 10 minutes to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness on all sides.
  7. Toss in Sauce
  8. Transfer the hot wings immediately to a large bowl and pour the prepared peri peri sauce over them. Toss until all wings are fully coated with the sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • For extra crispy wings, spray with a light coat of oil before air frying.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of peri peri pepper and cayenne sauce.
  • Authentic peri peri sauce has Portuguese and African origins, traditionally made with African bird's eye chilies.
  • These wings can be served with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
  • For a complete meal, serve with a side of coleslaw or potato wedges.