Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Mustard Ranch Dip
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave crispy chicken wings without the hassle of deep-frying, this recipe for Spicy Chicken Wings is a must-try! Made with a simple marinade of pantry staples like tamari, no-sugar-added ketchup, and Dijon mustard, these wings are juicy, spicy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re using an air fryer or your oven, these wings will become a go-to for game days, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals.
Let’s dive into the recipe, complete with tips for making them perfectly crispy every time and a tangy Mustard Ranch Dip that’s the perfect complement to the spicy wings.
Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Wings
For the Chicken Wings:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 45 grams (1.5 oz) no-added sugar ketchup
- 1 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil of your choice)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mustard Ranch Dip:
- 30 grams mayonnaise (seed oil free)
- 30 grams cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian herb mix
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Spicy Chicken Wings
1. Marinade the Chicken Wings
Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, chili powder, ketchup, tamari, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step infuses the wings with flavor and helps keep them tender and juicy during cooking.
2. Cook the Wings in an Air Fryer
For crispy, evenly cooked chicken wings, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness. Cook the wings for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning.
3. Oven Method (Alternative)
No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Spread the marinated wings out in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
4. Prepare the Mustard Ranch Dip
While the wings are cooking, whip up the Mustard Ranch Dip. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb mix. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the dip until you’re ready to serve.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot with the Mustard Ranch Dip on the side. Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins—these wings are finger-licking good!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings
- Choose Quality Wings: Look for fresh, high-quality chicken wings. If using frozen wings, ensure they are completely thawed before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the chili powder to your liking or experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for added heat.
- Crispiness Hack: For extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry with a paper towel before marinating.
- Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding in the air fryer or oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: These wings are baked or air-fried, not deep-fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Easy: The simple marinade comes together in minutes, and the cooking process is hands-off.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Using tamari instead of regular soy sauce ensures these wings are gluten-free.
- Versatile: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Pair them with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these wings ahead of time? Absolutely! You can marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, cook them fresh just before serving.
2. Can I use a different dip? Of course! While the Mustard Ranch Dip pairs beautifully with these wings, you can serve them with blue cheese dressing, classic ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
3. What if I don’t have tamari? You can substitute tamari with coconut aminos or regular soy sauce (if gluten isn’t a concern).
4. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Chicken Wings (without dip): Approximately 200 calories, 15g fat, 10g protein, 3g carbs
- Mustard Ranch Dip (2 tbsp): Approximately 80 calories, 8g fat, 1g protein, 1g carbs
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Chicken Wings with Mustard Ranch Dip are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy night in or serving them at a party, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit.
Don’t forget to share your creation! Tag us at #BeyondVeganBites on social media, and let us know how you liked the recipe. Happy cooking!
Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Mustard Ranch Dip
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 45 grams no-added sugar ketchup (1.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil of your choice)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
For the Mustard Ranch Dip
- 30 grams mayonnaise (seed oil free)
- 30 grams cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian herb mix
Instructions
- Marinade the Chicken Wings: Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, chili powder, ketchup, tamari, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step infuses the wings with flavor and helps keep them tender and juicy during cooking.
- Cook the Wings in an Air Fryer: For crispy, evenly cooked chicken wings, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness. Cook the wings for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Oven Method (Alternative): No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Spread the marinated wings out in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
- Prepare the Mustard Ranch Dip: While the wings are cooking, whip up the Mustard Ranch Dip. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb mix. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the dip until you’re ready to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot with the Mustard Ranch Dip on the side. Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins—these wings are finger-licking good!
Notes
Nutrition
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