Pin
Whenever I get a craving for something bold but don't feel like cleaning up a ton, I pull out these Air-Fryer Peri Peri Chicken Wings. They're crunchy on the edges and get blanketed in a homemade peri peri sauce, made with everyday pantry stuff. Super easy and so tasty every time.
After my first batch of these wings the house filled up with a mouthwatering spicy smell and now every time we get out the air fryer, I've gotta have peri peri wings again.
Tasty Ingredients
- Cornstarch: Helps wings get a crisp shell, so grab a fine-grained one for the best crunch
- Chicken wing portions: You’ll want about a dozen Ask your store to cut them up so everything cooks evenly and stays juicy
- Black pepper and salt: The basics you need to let the spicy sauce stand out Add coarse ground pepper if you like extra kick
- Melted butter: Makes the sauce creamy and rich—real butter works best here
- Louisiana style cayenne hot sauce: Brings heat and tang; pick a simple one for clean flavors
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a sunny burst, so pick hefty, juice-filled lemons
- Vinegar: For that classic sharp peri peri zing—you can use apple cider or white vinegar
- Ground peri peri chile: Brings the signature African heat If you can't get it, blend cayenne with smoked chile powder
- Smoked paprika: Gives everything that deep red color and rich smokiness Spanish smoked is my top pick
- Granulated garlic powder: Packs a mellow punch and spreads out perfectly in the sauce
- Salt: This goes both in the sauce and over the wings, so use sea salt for a fresher taste
Simple Step Guide
- Cover and Serve:
- The moment your wings hit that perfect crunch, toss them right into a big bowl Drizzle on your peri peri sauce and fold everything together gently with a spatula Coat them well and dish up while they're still hot—add more sauce if you want to bump the heat
- Air Fry Setup:
- Lay those dusted wings out on the air fryer tray, giving each plenty of space Bump the temp to 390°F Let them go for around forty minutes and rotate every ten minutes so they get evenly crisp Look for that deep golden color
- Chicken Wing Prep:
- Pat wings completely dry—paper towels work best—so the coating can stick Sprinkle salt and black pepper everywhere, then roll each piece in cornstarch Shake away extra bits for a thin, crunchy layer that won't get soggy
- Whip Up the Peri Peri Mix:
- Grab a bowl and stir melted butter, hot sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, peri peri powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of salt until it's smooth and blended This is your bold, rich wing sauce
Pin
Whenever I add smoked paprika to these, I remember staying up late with friends finishing every last wing straight from the bowl There’s just something so nostalgic and fun about it—you almost always leave with a great memory
Storage Tips
Let wings cool down all the way before you seal them up in a fridge-safe container They'll stay good for three days Try popping them back in the air fryer to heat instead of nuking in the microwave if you love that crunchy bite
Swap Ideas
If you hit a wall trying to find peri peri powder, cayenne with just a bit of smoked chile will do the trick For the cayenne sauce, any bold, tangy hot sauce with a vinegar base is a solid substitute
Ways to Serve
Honestly, these wings stand tall alone but go awesome with ranch or blue cheese dip Want a whole platter? Throw in carrot sticks, celery, or a crunchy salad A cold drink cuts the spice just right
Pin
Story Behind It
Peri peri’s roots mix Portuguese and African food traditions—famous for wild, bold, spicy sauces That super-hot, smoky, citrusy combo brings everyone together whether you’re into big heat or just want something exciting on your table
FAQs About the Recipe
- → What's the trick for crispier wings?
Dust your wings in cornstarch, make sure they aren’t touching on the tray, and flip them now and then so every side gets crackly and golden.
- → How do I tone down the heat in the peri peri sauce?
Go easy on the cayenne sauce or peri peri pepper. Swirl in a bit more butter or even add a touch of honey if you want it milder.
- → Does bottled lemon work, or do I need fresh?
Fresh lemon juice pops with tartness, but bottled will totally do if that’s what you have. It won’t ruin the flavor.
- → Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yep! Set your convection oven to the same temp and flip the wings every 10 minutes. They’ll turn out crispy almost like air frying.
- → How much time do the wings need to cook?
Usually takes 35 to 40 minutes at 390°F. Flip them a few times so they brown just right all over.