In this easy air fryer recipe, crispy, air-fried chicken wings are coated in a spicy rub and paired with tangy Alabama White Barbecue Sauce, a regional favorite known for its rich, mayo-based flavor.
Spicy Barbecue Air-Fried Chicken Wings with White Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 3 pounds whole chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- White Barbecue Sauce (recipe follows)
- Pickled vegetables, to serve
White Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise*
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- In a medium Dutch oven, bring vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, butter, 1 tablespoon salt, red pepper, hot sauce, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool completely.
- Pat chicken dry; place in a large bowl. Add baking powder, oil, remaining 1 tablespoon salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper, and toss until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 200°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack.
- If preheating is recommended by your air fryer manual, preheat air fryer to 400°.
- Working in batches, place a few wings in a single layer in air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400°; cook until golden brown and crispy, about 12 minutes. Turn wings; cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. Place on prepared rack; keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining wings. Toss wings with vinegar mixture; serve immediately with White Barbecue Sauce and pickled vegetables.
White Barbecue Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
*We used Blue Plate Mayonnaise.
