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Air fryer jerk chicken wings bring the bold spirit of Jamaican cooking to your table with crispy skin, juicy meat, and layers of smoky heat from dry jerk seasoning. Cooking them in the air fryer delivers that craveable jerk flavor and crackly texture in about 25 to 30 minutes, making them a fast and reliable alternative to grilling.
For other wing recipes try this recipe for cooking frozen wings in the air fryer.
Mood Music
Grace Jones' "My Jamaican Guy" is the perfect pairing with these jerk chicken wings. It's got definite reggae vibes that go beyond the song title, but the electonic and funk elements give it more a party/dance vibe. Wings are a party dish and the jerk seasoning has got some heat that plays the role of that deep thump on the record. The sweetness from the cinnamon and brown sugar provides melodies to balance things out.
Ingredients Needed For Jerk Wing Recipe
- Vodka acts less as a flavor ingredient and more as a texture enhancer. It evaporates faster than water because of its lower boiling point. As it evaporates in the air fryer, it leaves behind tiny pockets and irregularities on the surface that create a lighter, crispier crust. Also, as the alcohol cooks off, the surface dries faster, creating better conditions for browning and crust development.
- Dry jerk seasoning provides the signature Jamaican flavor with layers of allspice, thyme, black pepper, garlic, and chile heat that create a complex balance of savory, earthy, smoky, and spicy notes. Use a high quality blend with visible herbs and spices, and adjust the amount based on your heat preference since some commercial blends can be significantly hotter than others. I went with Jamaican spices, but any dry seasoning mix can be used including lemon pepper or cajun seasoning.
How To Cook Jerk Wings in An Air Fryer
Toss the wings in the vodka.
Add the dry jerk seasoning and let marinate for about an hour.
Remove the wings from the marinade and pat dry. Add more seasoning plus coat the wings with olive oil.
Pre-heat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Fry the wings for 10 minutes then flip and fry another 10 minutes.
Remove and sprinkle some more seasoning on them. Serve
Air Fryer Wing Tips
I’m a drummettes only person, but feel free to use flats if that’s your preference.
The vodka is optional. I use it for a bit more crispiness. Other liquors work just as well, but I prefer vodka as it is pretty much tasteless
Most spice shops have pre-made jerk seasoning you can find online so feel free to use one if it’s available to you and you like it. Otherwise, make my version.
These are flourless wings. If you prefer crunchier traditional flour-coated wings try the approach taken with these crispy air fryer wings.
With the dry seasoning mix you don’t really need a sauce. But if you must, these jerk chicken wings pair well with this jerk bbq sauce.
Use this guide 21 Recipes To Serve With Jerk Chicken to help you figure out what else to serve with these bad boys.
What To Serve With Jerk Wings
For the best balance of flavor and texture, serve jerk wings with Jamaican rice and peas, a plate of fried sweet plantains, and a side of Jamaican steamed cabbage. You get spicy, sweet, creamy, crunchy, and savory elements all on one plate, which is exactly what great Caribbean-inspired meals are about.
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Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Drummettes
- 1 ½ tablespoon Dry Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Vodka
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Equipment
Method
- Place wings in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, vodka, and half the jerk seasoning. Refrigerate 1-4 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and allow to reach room temperature. While wings sit, pre-heat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Season the wings again with half of the remaining seasoning. Cook wings for 13 minutes then flip and cook another 13 minutes. Remove and toss with the remaining dry spice mix.
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