Step 1: Prepare the Wings
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat the wings evenly.
- Arrange Wings: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 2: Cook the Wings
- Air Fry Wings: Cook the wings in the preheated air fryer for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce
- Coat Wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the wings hot, with additional sauce on the side if desired.
Tips for Perfect Wings
- Baking Powder: The baking powder helps to make the wings extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Even Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook the wings in batches if necessary.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Teriyaki Wings: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Wings: Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the teriyaki sauce for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve the wings over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
- With Vegetables: Pair the wings with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the wings with other appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings for a delicious spread.
Why This Recipe Works
Using the air fryer to cook the wings ensures they come out crispy and golden brown without the need for deep frying. The homemade teriyaki sauce is simple to make and perfectly coats the wings, giving them a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently tasty results.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings are a fantastic way to enjoy a popular takeout dish at home with less oil and more flavor. The combination of crispy wings and homemade teriyaki sauce is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these wings are a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this air fryer recipe!