Elevate your chicken wing game with these Easy Air Fryer Malaysian BBQ Chicken Wings. These tantalizing wings are the perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours, crispy exterior and juicy meat in every bite. A finger-licking good dish that’s perfect for any occasion, possibly even rivalling the famous Jalan Alor chicken wings in the heart of Kuala Lumpur!
At the heart of this recipe lies the marinade, which infuses the wings with an amazing juicy flavour. The grated garlic and ginger give the wings their aromatic essence, while the oyster sauce adds a deep umami character. The sugar provides a touch of sweetness, and the fish sauce contributes a savoury depth. Light soy sauce brings in a delicate saltiness, and sesame oil imparts a subtle nutty aroma.
The key to achieving maximum flavour in your Air Fryer Malaysian BBQ Chicken Wings is patience. After mixing the chicken with the marinade, allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes. For those seeking an even more intense flavour, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Here are some other pro tips to ensure your wings come out perfect:
- Before marinating, pat the chicken wings dry to help the marinade adhere better to the meat, enhancing flavour penetration.
- Avoid overcrowding by arranging the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each wing, so that the wings are cooked evenly.
- Air fry the wings at a slightly lower temperature for the first 10 minutes to render out some fat while maintaining juiciness. Then increase the temperature for the remaining cooking time to achieve that amazing crispy exterior.
For an extra touch of freshness and presentation, garnish your Air Fryer Malaysian BBQ Chicken Wings with chopped cilantro, and serve them with calamansi on the side for an extra tangy kick. The citrusy brightness of calamansi perfectly balances the savoury and slightly sweet notes of the marinade. So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
Easy Air Fryer Malaysian BBQ Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 12 chicken wings
- 3 tbsp grated garlic
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add chicken and season with garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper. Mix and massage the chicken.
- Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.PRO TIP: Pat dry the chicken wings before marinating for better flavour penetration. You can also marinate them overnight in the fridge for maximum flavour.
- Place the marinated chicken wings in the air fryer basket for 10 minutes. Then, flip the wings and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the size of your wings and the desired crispiness.PRO TIP: Avoid overcrowding by arranging the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving space between each wing. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and potentially drier wings.ANOTHER PRO TIP: Cook the chicken wings at a slightly lower temperature initially, ~375°F (190°C), for the first 10 minutes to render out some fat while maintaining juiciness. Then increase the temperature to ~400°F (200°C) for the remaining cooking time to crisp up the exterior.
- Here’s an optional step: Garnish the wings with chopped cilantro for added freshness and presentation. Serve the Malaysian BBQ chicken wings with calamansi on the side for an extra tangy kick and enjoy!