These are the simplest and crunchiest chicken wings you’ll ever eat!
There’s nothing quite like the first bite into a great chicken wing. The best chicken wings will be crunchy on the outside but juicy on the inside. But what’s the secret ingredient to achieving that combination? You might be surprised: It’s cornstarch, which provides a nice coating that makes wings crunchy without making them dry. Of course, there is still room for other spices and flavors. But by using cornstarch, you give yourself the added benefit of perfect texture achieved from the comfort of your home kitchen.
Other than cornstarch, the secret to these wings is using both a conventional oven and an air fryer. For starters, neither method requires a lot of oil and grease. More importantly, oven-baked wings tend to be juicy but not crispy, while air fryers produce crispy wings that aren’t always juicy. But by using both methods after rubbing the wings with cornstarch, you’ll have wings that are the best of both worlds.
Once you get the foundation down, the flavor’s totally up to you—buffalo, garlic Parmesan, honey and soy glaze, whatever you’re into. The base is the key, so you can go all out with the seasoning to please an assortment of palates.
Are Cornstarch Chicken Wings Healthy?
Compared to deep-fried wings, cornstarch chicken wings have less fat and calories because they are baked in an oven and finished in an air fryer. The chicken itself can also be a good source of protein, though wings do contain some fat in and of themselves. Of course, if you add sauces and seasonings to your wings, that will change the nutritional profile, too. Overall, cornstarch chicken wings can be considered a healthier alternative to most other types of wings, but I’d still recommend eating them in moderation.
Spice And Sauce
To add a little extra flavor to your chicken wings, feel free to add some spices before cooking them or dipping sauces after cooking them. Spices like cayenne can give the wings a little kick, while lemon pepper can be a milder flavor. I’m also a big fan of chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Either way, mix the dry spices with the cornstarch and then toss the wings in that mixture so that they’re evenly coated before you cook them.
There are also many dipping sauces, including barbecue sauce, Buffalo sauce, hot honey, mango habanero, and teriyaki sauce, that can add flavor to your chicken wings. I like to toss my finished wings in the sauce right before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If there are leftover wings, allow them to cool and then store them in an airtight container. They should last in the fridge for at least 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer or in the oven for around 10 minutes at 350°F.
Serving Suggestions
What goes better with chicken wings than pizza? Consider whipping up a homemade Flatbread Pizza, complete with homemade Pizza Sauce. If the wings are the main course, try cooking up some Air-Fryer Potato Wedges or Roasted Russet Potatoes as the side dish. Finally, don’t overlook the need for sauces and dips. Some of my favorites include Mustard Barbecue Sauce, Sweet-And-Sour Sauce, or Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a greased baking rack on top.
- Cut whole chicken wings at the joints to separate into flats and drumettes.
- Season the chicken with salt and lightly dust with cornstarch.
- Arrange the chicken on the baking rack, skin side up, and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes without flipping.
- As the oven time nears completion, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and grease the basket.
- Transfer the chicken to the air fryer, skin side up, spray again with cooking spray, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Alternatively, you can continue baking the chicken in the oven for a total of 35-40 minutes instead of using an air fryer.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment