Air Fryer Five Spice Fried Chicken Wings

1kg chicken wings

2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
6-8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped

Vegetable oil, for frying garlic
Oil spray, for air frying

The Marinade

1½ teaspoons five spice powder
½ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
Drizzle sesame oil

The Coating

2-3 tablespoons cornflour
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

The Sweet Chilli Sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
4-5 tablespoons sugar
1 red chilli, finely chopped

PREPARATION

1. In a bowl combine five spice powder, white pepper, salt, Shaoxing wine and sesame oil. Add the chicken wings and mix thoroughly so each wing is coated.
2. Add cornflour and bicarbonate of soda. Toss well to coat evenly.
3. Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece. Spray lightly with oil.

COOKING

1. Air fry at 200-205°C for 25 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying lightly again if needed, until deeply golden and crisp.
2. For the sweet chilli sauce, combine rice vinegar, water, light soy and sugar in a small pan. Add chopped chilli and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer until thickened to a glossy syrup consistency. Set aside.
4. In a wok heat enough oil over medium heat to gently fry the lemongrass for 1-2 minutes until slightly crisp.
5. Add the chopped garlic and continue frying on low heat, stirring constantly until golden brown. Remove immediately and drain on kitchen paper.
6. Season the fried garlic and lemongrass mixture with a pinch of salt and sugar.
7. Serve the crispy wings topped generously with the garlic and lemongrass mixture and drizzle with sweet chilli sauce or serve on the side.

School of Wok Tips

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space creates crispiness.
• Bicarbonate of soda helps create extra craggly texture.
• Fry garlic and lemongrass on low heat to avoid bitterness.
• Remove garlic as soon as golden as it continues cooking off the heat.

FAQs

Do air fried wings get as crispy as deep fried?
Yes? Proper spacing and turning halfway creates excellent crisp texture.

Why add bicarbonate of soda?
It reacts with the coating to create a lighter, crisper exterior.

Can I bake these instead?
Yes? Bake on a wire rack at high heat, though they may take slightly longer.