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Let me introduce you to these amazing air fryer chimichurri chicken wings. They’re super easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the delicious chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a game day snack, these wings are sure to be a hit.
You’re probably wondering what chimichurri is. It’s a fresh, vibrant sauce from Argentina, made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. In this recipe, we’re cooking wings in the air fryer until they’re nice and crispy, then tossing them in chimichurri sauce for a mouth-watering combination. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is Chimichurri?
The Origins of Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a traditional Argentinian sauce that has made its way into the hearts (and kitchens) of people all around the world. It’s a staple in Argentine cuisine, often used as a marinade or a condiment for grilled meats, especially beef.
This versatile sauce is a reflection of Argentina’s rich culinary history, influenced by a mix of Spanish, Italian, and indigenous flavors.
Key Ingredients in Chimichurri
The beauty of chimichurri lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll typically find in a classic chimichurri sauce:
- Parsley: The star of the show, providing a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent kick and depth to the sauce.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness, balancing out the richness of the olive oil.
- Olive Oil: Gives the sauce its smooth texture and carries the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the other ingredients.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a bit of heat, though this is optional and can be adjusted to taste.
How to Use Chimichurri
Chimichurri is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular ways to use it:
- Marinade: Perfect for marinating meats before grilling. It adds a robust flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Condiment: Serve it alongside grilled meats, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.
- Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a bit more olive oil and vinegar, and you have a zesty dressing for salads.
Why Chimichurri is a Must-Try
If you haven’t tried chimichurri yet, you’re in for a treat. Its fresh, bold flavors can transform any dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re using it as a marinade, a sauce, or a dressing, chimichurri is sure to elevate your cooking.
Now that we know all about chimichurri, let’s get back to making those delicious air fryer chimichurri chicken wings!
Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients for Chimichurri Chicken Wings
Before we start, here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Chimichurri Sauce:
- Check out the full recipe for my Homemade Chimichurri Sauce.
How to Make Chimichurri Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
First, let’s make the chimichurri sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Whisk everything together until well combined. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld together while you cook the wings.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, you can start preparing the chicken wings.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer. In a large bowl, season the wings and toss them well to ensure each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Tossing Wings in Chimichurri Sauce
When the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the chimichurri sauce over the wings and toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious air fryer chimichurri chicken wings hot. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.
Pair them with some celery sticks and a cool ranch dip, or serve them with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. These wings are also great for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Tips and Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crisp
To get the crispiest wings, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning. This removes excess moisture, which can prevent the wings from crisping up.
Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures each wing has enough space to cook evenly and get crispy.
The secret tip is to use a little bit of baking powder for that extra crunch.
Variations and Additions
Feel free to customize your chimichurri sauce. You can add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy kick or some chopped cilantro for extra freshness. If you’re a garlic lover, add an extra clove or two. For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can bake the wings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They might not be as crispy as air-fried wings, but they’ll still be delicious.
If you are in the market for an air fryer, click here for my favorite option.
Is Chimichurri Sauce Spicy?
Chimichurri sauce is not typically very spicy, but it does have a bit of a kick from the red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These air fryer chimichurri chicken wings are a game changer. They’re easy to make, healthier than traditional fried wings, and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy wings and fresh chimichurri sauce is simply irresistible.
Share Your Results
I’d love to see how your wings turn out! Share your photos and comments below, or tag me on social media. Let’s keep cooking delicious meals together!
Related Recipes
Enjoy making these wings and let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chimichurri Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken wings
- 1 tbsp Seasoning salt
- 2 tbsp Baking powder
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
- Check out the full recipe on our blog to make the chimichurri sauce.
- Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld together while you cook the wings.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Season the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy.
- In a large bowl, mix seasoning salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and baking powder.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy.
Toss the Wings in the Chimichurri Sauce
- When the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the chimichurri sauce over the wings and toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated.
