If you like chicken wings as much as I do, air fryer is the way to go. It is, undoubtedly, the easiest way to get amazingly crispy chicken wings with golden skin and tender meat. They take no time to prepare and make a great after-school snack or a simple yet fun starter. I tend to use the same simple mix for coating as the base and jazz them up with different dips or dressings. This is one of our favourites!
The Flavour Affair:
Chicken Wings + Salt + Black Pepper + Garlic + Oil + Yoghurt + Za’atar
The basic coating of salt, black pepper, granulated garlic and a little oil (because you do need only a little for air fryer) delivers a savory outcome that is reliably crispy. In this recipe, you can also add a tea spoon of za’atar into the coating mixture to get a more prominent flavour.
Chicken wings: don’t get ones that are too tiny as there is a risk they will dry out. Too large ones may not cook evenly inside. Medium sized chicken wings are best because they need approximately same amount of time to cook and get crispy.
Salt: use regular fine table salt. Use sparingly because za’atar has already salt in it.
Black pepper: freshly ground black pepper adds bright, penetrating notes.
Garlic: use granulated garlic. It has a mild garlicky taste and a coarse texture that helps to achieve that delicious crispiness.
Za’atar: a popular Middle Eastern seasoning consisting of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and salt. While you can find it in most supermarkets, it is very easy to prepare yourself – and by doing so you can also adjust the quantities to your preferences. Check this basic Za’atar recipe and give it a go!
Yoghurt: any fresh yoghurt will do, just keep it plain – the flavours will come from the seasoning.
Preparation tips for Crispy Chicken Wings with Za’atar Yoghurt:
- Prepare a basic coating with one tbsp olive oil mixed with 1/3 tsp salt, 1 tsp granulated garlic, 1 tsp za’atar and a grind of black pepper mill. Toss the wings with the mixture until they are coated. This will add flavour and help the skin to get crispy.
- It is best to arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer tray. However, if there is little space, it is also ok to have some on top of the others. Just make sure you shake it a couple more times.
- To prepare the dip, simply stir a drizzle of olive oil into a bowl with two large table spoons of fresh yoghurt. Then stir in a table spoon of za’atar mix.
This is such an easy and rewarding little project! Serve it as a fun starter or an after school snack – your children will be thrilled 🙂
***
Crispy Chicken Wings with Za’atar Yoghurt
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/3 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp za’atar seasoning optional
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh plain yoghurt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
Instructions
- Mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/3 tsp salt, 1/3 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp granulated garlic and 1 tsp za’atar seasoning in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken wings and toss to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C.
- Place the wings onto the tray and air fry for 12 minutes. If the wings don’t fit into a single layer, toss once in between.
- After 10 minutes, toss and turn the wings and put back for further 6 minutes.
- Prepare the dip by stirring in 1 tbsp olive oil into a bowl with yoghurt. Then stir in the za'atar seasoning.
- To serve, arrange the wings on a plate with the dip in the middle.
