Crispy, golden chicken wings coated in a sticky soy sauce and honey glaze. These easy air fryer chicken wings are packed with savoury, sweet and aromatic flavours, with Chinese five-spice adding extra depth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Main / Side
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lb chicken wings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 stalk spring onion, chopped
Soy Sauce Glaze
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3½ tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tsp cornflour
- 3 tbsp cold water
Method
1. Season the chicken
Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder and oil. Mix well, massaging the seasoning into the chicken for 2–3 minutes.
2. Air fry the wings
Place the chicken wings in the air fryer and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Air fry at 190°C / 370°F for 15 minutes.
3. Crisp the wings
Increase the temperature to 200°C / 400°F and air fry for another 7–10 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
4. Make the soy sauce glaze
While the chicken is cooking, add the soy sauce, honey, garlic and Chinese five-spice powder to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3–5 minutes.
Mix the cornflour with 3 tbsp cold water. Stir the mixture into the sauce and simmer for another minute, or until the glaze has thickened.
5. Toss and serve
Place the crispy chicken wings in a large bowl. Pour over the soy sauce glaze and toss until the wings are evenly coated.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped spring onion. Serve hot.
Notes
- Air fryer cooking times may vary: Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken wings and your air fryer model. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
- For extra crispy wings: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For a thicker glaze: Allow the sauce to simmer for an extra minute or two after adding the cornflour mixture.
- Serving suggestion: Serve as a starter, side dish or part of a Chinese-style sharing meal with steamed rice, fried rice or noodles.
