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Spicy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Wings

This air fryer firecracker chicken wings recipe turns out so good!! Just like a Panda Express or Yard House copycat version at home. Now you can make naked or dry rub air fryer wings as spicy as you’d like or mild.

Firecracker-Chicken

You know that delicious firecracker chicken recipe you love at your favorite Asian restaurant? Well, you can make it right at home now for much cheaper. Crispy chicken wings that are spicy for dinner or a killer appetizer when friends come over, it’s a real win. One of many easy air fryer recipes on our site. (affiliate links present)

Firecracker Chicken Recipe

Why do we love making it in our Ninja Foodi, AirWave or Cosori? Because let’s be honest, you can bake crispy chicken wings but it takes a lot longer. AND they never get as crunchy on the outside as it does using this quick method.

We started by making these wings with a dry rub and those were amazing. Sometimes you want SPICY though, so if you’re in the mood for some heat, this will knock your socks off for sure.

If you love easy air fryer recipes too, here are some resources to start with:

A close-up photo of a hand pulling out the basket of an open air fryer on a light-colored surface. The interior of the air fryer basket is empty and features a mesh design, perfect for cooking your favorite dishes like bang bang shrimp. The edge of the air fryer has a latch mechanism for securing the basket.

Ninja Foodi Firecracker Chicken

Once you get the base down you can add really any sort of sauce to coat them at the end that you want. Use bottled teriyaki, Frank’s hot sauce, or barbecue. If you make multiple batches you can make a few of them so everyone can try different creations. This is what you will need for the crispy coating and homemade hot wings sauce that was used:

Firecracker Sauce Ingredients

  1. We have a spicy sauce recipe below, or use our Asian chicken wing sauce recipe here
    1. More chili or red pepper flakes
    2. Hot sauce comes in mild, medium heat or really spicy
    3. Butter
    4. Apple cider vinegar
    5. Brown sugar
  2. Defrosted chicken wings
  3. Cornstarch
  4. Garlic powder
  5. Salt and pepper
  6. Chili flakes

You will air fry the meat first and then toss those in the sauce of your choice. That way they get super crispy chicken skin. You could use this same method, but a longer cook time, for drumsticks sometime too.

Firecracker Chicken
How long does it take to air fry chicken?

It depends on what pieces you are cooking of course. Wings will take the least amount of time vs. chicken breast in air fryer that will take the longest. You always want to ensure it reaches a safe 165 degrees F in the thickest part before consuming.

What is firecracker sauce made of?

We list the ingredients used above and in the recipe card below but typically it is a mixture of chili flakes, brown sugar, hot sauce, vinegar and butter. Everyone has slightly their own version but the basics are usually as follows with small variations.

Is firecracker chicken spicy at Panda Express?

That is subjective but I would say yes. It is too much for me beyond 2 bites or so, that is why this copycat version is so much better. You can adjust the heat to your liking so it doesn’t make you cry. Some like it beyond fiery and others just want a hint of heat. Making it at home is great to adjust it perfectly for YOU.

Firecracker Chicken wings Recipe

Korean Air fried Chicken

If you do choose to do another cut of the bird you may need to increase the initial cornstarch mixture amounts. You want the outsides to be nicely coated as you see here. This will pull the moisture out of the skin making it really crispy.

How to Make Firecracker Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

  1. Lay chicken wings on a few paper towels to absorb moisture on the skin. Put into a bowl with all ingredients listed under it (sauce will be made separate)
  2. Toss chicken wings, cornstarch and seasonings together so all are well coated. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.
  3. Lay coated wings in air fryer basket without overlapping. May need to do more than 1 batch. Spray tops with olive oil. Close and cook the chicken for 10 minutes.
  4. Flip to the other sides for another 7-8 minutes until nicely golden brown. Can spray olive oil at the very end to get them closer to deep fried crunch. Do this until all wings are done.

In a bowl mix ingredients for the firecracker hot sauce. In a large bowl add the sauce over cooked wings and toss to coat nicely. Garnish with chopped cilantro, red chili flakes and sesame seeds.

air fryer wings

Prep for all of this is about 15 minutes, the rest is just cook time. You can just make a few for 2 of you or make multiple batches for a larger crowd. Just cook, sit on a baking sheet in the oven on warm until all of them are done. Then toss with the buffalo sauce brown sugar mix at the very end so it is all done at once.

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Recipes

Serve these air fryer hot wings with some fried rice if you’re using this as a complete meal. Or enjoy as an air fryer appetizer. Looking for other air fryer wings recipes? We have a few others to try like:

You can jump to recipe below and get started.

air fryer firecracker chicken

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firecracker chicken
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken

This air fryer firecracker chicken recipe turns out so good!! Just like a Panda Express or Yard House copycat version at home.
Course Appetizer, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American, Japanese
Keyword air fryer, chicken wings, firecracker, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 385kcal
Author The Typical Mom

Equipment

Ingredients

Firecracker Chicken Sauce

Instructions

  • Lay chicken wings on a few paper towels to absorb moisture on the skins. Then put into a bowl with all ingredients under it (sauce will be made separate)
  • Toss wings and seasonings together so all are well coated.
  • Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes. Lay coated wings in without overlapping (so may need to do more than 1 batch). Spray tops lightly with olive oil. Close and cook for 10 minutes, flip to other side for another 7-8 minutes until browned.
  • Do this until all wings are done. In a bowl mix ingredients for the firecracker hot sauce. In a large bowl drizzle sauce over cooked wings and toss to coat nicely.
  • Can garnish with chopped cilantro, red chili flakes and sesame seeds.

Video

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken
Amount Per Serving (2 oz)
Calories 385 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 70mg23%
Sodium 1250mg54%
Potassium 195mg6%
Carbohydrates 43g14%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 27g30%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 573IU11%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Firecracker Chicken Recipe
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




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