1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Season the wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until evenly coated.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the wings: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be crispy and golden brown. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust the cooking time if necessary.
2. Prepare the Cheesy Broccoli Rice:
- Cook the rice: If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue cooking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine rice and broccoli: Add the cooked rice and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve:
- Plate the dish: Arrange the crispy air fryer chicken wings on a serving platter.
- Serve with rice: Spoon the cheesy broccoli rice onto plates or alongside the wings on the platter.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the combination of crispy wings and creamy, cheesy rice.
Tips for the Perfect Meal:
- Crispy wings: For extra crispiness, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning and air frying.
- Even cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Rice texture: Adjust the amount of milk and cheese in the rice to achieve your desired creaminess.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Cheesy Broccoli Rice recipe is a delightful combination of crispy, savory chicken wings and creamy, cheesy rice. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, providing a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. With easy preparation and a delicious result, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!