Air Fryer Jerk Wings (Jamaican Jerk Wings)

JERK TAVERNFebruary 4, 2024

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Air Fryer Jerk Wings if you’re a fan of bold flavors and spicy kicks, then jerk wings are a must-try. there’s something irresistible about the combination of spicy and crispy. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a delicious appetizer, these wings are sure to impress. This Jamaican jerk chicken wings is the perfect recipe And the best part? You can easily make them in your Air fryer!

Table of Contents

What are Jamaican jerk wings?

Jamaican jerk wings are just like jerk chicken but in wing form. You can make it on the grill, bake it in the oven, or jerk your wings in an air fryer.

The Origins of Jerk Seasoning

Jerk seasoning, known for its bold and spicy flavors, has its roots in the indigenous Taino people of Jamaica. They developed a cooking technique called “barbacoa” to preserve and flavor meat.

When African slaves arrived on the island, they adapted the Taino method and infused it with their traditional spices and seasonings, giving birth to what is now known as jerk seasoning

The Unique Blend of Ingredients

Jerk seasoning is a combination of aromatic spices that create its distinct flavor profile. The traditional ingredients include scotch bonnet peppers, allspice berries, thyme, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each ingredient contributes to the complex and fiery taste that makes jerk seasoning so irresistible.

The Cooking Technique

Traditionally, jerk chicken or pork is cooked in a pit over pimento wood, which imparts a smoky flavor. The meat is marinated in jerk seasoning and slow-cooked, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. This traditional method requires time and patience, but the results are truly remarkable.

The Advent of Air Fryers

In recent years, air fryers have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to deep-frying. These innovative appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes with less oil.

The introduction of air fryers has revolutionized the way we cook, making it possible to enjoy our favorite dishes with a healthier twist.

The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

To adapt the traditional jerk wings recipe to the air fryer, a few modifications are needed. The chicken wings are coated in the jerk seasoning marinade, just as in the traditional method.

However, instead of slow-cooking them over pimento wood, the wings are placed in the air fryer basket and cooked at a high temperature.

This combination of traditional flavors and modern cooking technology allows us to enjoy the bold and spicy taste of jerk wings more healthily and conveniently.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Jerk Wings

Chicken wings
Dry Jerk Seasoning
Olive Oil
Mushroom Soy Sauce
Black Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Nutmeg
Salt

How to make Jerk Wings in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Used

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C)

Preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the wings to perfection.

Prepare the jerk marinade

Soak wings in lime, vinegar, and water for 5 mins then rinse with cold water and pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, olive oil, mushroom soy sauce, black pepper, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and salt. This aromatic blend of spices will give your wings that authentic jerk flavor.

Coat the chicken wings

Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the jerk marinade. Toss them until they are well coated, ensuring that each wing is covered in the flavorful mixture. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat or overnight for more flavor.

Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket

Take out the air fryer basket spray with the cooking spray of choice and arrange the marinated wings in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this may affect the cooking process and result in less crispy wings. Spray the top of the wings with oil.

Cook the wings in the air fryer

Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and cook the wings at 390°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Serve and enjoy

Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot as an appetizer or as part of a delicious meal. They pair perfectly with a side of rice and peas or a refreshing salad.

how to make jerk wings crispy in air fryer

What goes with Jerk Wings?

You can eat Jamaican jerk wings with anything you like you can have them by themselves as an appetizer or jerk wings and plantain, jerk wings, and rice and peas. You can also eat these wings with rasta pasta, mashed potatoes and so much more, it’s up to you and your preference.

Can you air fry jerk wings?

With just a few simple steps and the help of your trusty air fryer, you can create irresistible jerk wings that will leave you craving for more.

Are Caribbean wings spicy?

You can make these Caribbean wings as spicy or as mild as you like.

Are jerk wings healthy?

Yes, jerk wings are healthy because the methods used to make it is free from oils. You can make it on the grill, bake it or air fry the wings.

Are jerk wings keto?

No, jerk wings are not keto originally but, you can make a keto-friendly jerk marinade.

How many calories are in Jerk wings?

There are about 500 plus calories in jerk wings with a serving size of 6 wings. (This may not be accurate)

How many carbs are in jerk chicken wings?

The carbs in jerk chicken all depend on the amount you consume. But 3 wings are 5gs.

What do jerk wings taste like?

Are Jamaican jerk wings spicy?

Jerk wings can be spicy or mild it just depends on preference and how well you can handle the heat. Make your marinade or choose spicy or mild store-bought marinade.

Jerk wings marinade?

You can make your own jerk wings marinade or buy store-bought. If you are air frying your jerk wings then a dry jerk marinade Is best to get crispy jerk wings.

Can you make jerk wings with ginger?

Ginger will be in your jerk marinade.

How to make jerk wings sauce?

In a bowl mix,1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp honey BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 3 tsp honey, black pepper, and salt to taste. You can toss your wings in this sauce after it is cooked.

What is the best dipping sauce for jerk wings?

Homemade Ranch is one of the best dipping sauces for jerk wings. In a bowl add 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1/8 cup of dill, 1 tbsp of fresh thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Why are my wings not crispy in an air fryer?

If your wings aren’t crispy, you probably overcrowded the basket, also flipping or shaking your wings halfway is a major key to super crispy wings in the air fryer. Another important step is to spray the chicken with oil.

How can I make my air fryer jerk chicken wings crispy?

To make your air fryer jerk wings crispy season it with a dry jerk rub. What is the point of seasoning it with the wet jerk marinade just to pat it dry with a paper towel?

You want maximum flavor in your wings. So definitely opt for a dry rub then spray the air fryer basket and chicken to get it extra crispy. If you’re not looking for a crispy jerk wing then wet marinade is perfect.

How long should wings be in the air fryer?

Place on air frying basket, spacing evenly, and air fry at 390˚F for 8 minutes per side, for a total of 16 minutes, or until chicken wings are crispy to your liking.

What is the secret to a crispy air fryer?

The secret to a crispy air fryer jerk wings is spraying the basket with oil before adding your wings then spraying the top of the wings for maximum crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Can you fry jerk wings?

We have a Jerk Fried Chicken recipe, so you can “fry jerk wings”.

Can I flour my wings in the air fryer?

The simple answer is YES you can flour your wings in the air fryer.

Do I have to marinate my wings?

YES, it’s best after you season your wings to marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.

Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?

Yes, but you’ll be left with soggy wings if you don’t use the parchment liners with the holes to drain any extra oils.

Can wings be layered in the air fryer?

Never layer wings in the air fryer, it’s best to fry your wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Doing this will give you crispy and delicious air-fried wings.

Variations to Air Fryer Jerk Wings

How to cook Jerk Wings in the Oven

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and spicy kicks, then jerk wings are a must-try. Originating from Jamaica, jerk seasoning adds a unique and fiery twist to chicken wings. And the best part? You can easily make them in your oven! Here is your step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly jerked wings that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Marinating the Wings

Soak wings in lime, vinegar, and water for 5 mins then rinse with cold water and pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, olive oil, mushroom soy sauce, black pepper, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and salt. This aromatic blend of spices will give your wings that authentic jerk flavor.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and mix well, ensuring each wing is coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Baking the Wings

Arrange the marinated wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and crispy.
For an extra charred and smoky flavor, you can broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve the jerk wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy mango salsa.
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped scallions for added freshness and color.

How to Make Jerk Wings on the Grill

When it comes to summer grilling, jerk wings are a crowd-pleasing favorite. The smoky and spicy jerk seasoning flavors combined with the grill’s charred goodness create a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving more. Here are the steps to make delicious jerk wings on the grill, perfect for your next outdoor gathering or barbecue.

Preparing the Wings

Soak wings in lime, vinegar, and water for 5 mins then rinse with cold water and pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, olive oil, mushroom soy sauce, black pepper, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and salt. This aromatic blend of spices will give your wings that authentic jerk flavor.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and mix well, ensuring each wing is coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Grill

To your grill add charcoal and lighter fluid.
Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grilling the Wings

Remove the marinated wings from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Place the wings on the preheated grill, leaving some space between each wing.
Grill the wings for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Enjoying

Once the wings are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the jerk wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy barbecue sauce, a cooling cucumber yogurt dip, or a spicy jerk sauce.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or scallions for added freshness and presentation.

How to Make Jerk Wings on the Stove

Even without a grill, you can still create delicious jerk wings that are packed with bold and fiery flavors. Making them on the stove allows you to enjoy these mouthwatering wings any time of the year. Here are the steps to create delicious jerk wings right in your kitchen, using a stove and a few simple ingredients.

Preparing the Wings

Soak wings in lime, vinegar, and water for 5 mins then rinse with cold water and pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, olive oil, mushroom soy sauce, black pepper, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and salt. This aromatic blend of spices will give your wings that authentic jerk flavor.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and mix well, ensuring that each wing is coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Wings

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add a drizzle of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated wings in a single layer in the skillet. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Cook the wings for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color.
To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Enjoying

Once the wings are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the jerk wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as creamy garlic aioli, homemade ranch, a tangy mango chutney, or a classic buffalo sauce.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or scallions for added freshness and presentation.

Why This Recipe Works

Using the air fryer to jerk wings are healthier alternative to deep-frying. These innovative appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes with less oil.
If it’s crispy wings you’re looking for the air fryer is perfect plus who is counting calories?
Hosting game day, game night, and any other parties look no further these are the best jerk wings recipes that are sure to impress your guests.

Tips and Tricks

A single layer helps to make sure the wings get evenly cooked and don’t become soggy.
You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Halfway through the air frying toss or flip your wings to get an even cook and extra crispiness.

”Take heed, watch, and pray; for you do not know when the time is.“ Mark 13:33 NKJV

Wisdom

Everyone has heard that Jesus is coming back soon. But no one knows when. It will never be known, no one can predict His coming but the Father Himself. Only He alone knows. But it is not for us to know when He is coming, it is only told to us that He is coming, so we can prepare ourselves for His return.

All we have is our one life to live. If He comes when we are alive we must be ready. If He comes after we are dead we must be ready. We have to prepare ourselves to live righteously in Jesus while we are alive and die righteously in Jesus.

Whether we live or die, He is coming back. When He comes back, all who are dead will be brought back to life, and we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Take heed, watch, and pray for your soul to be saved, for that day will come and no one will escape that day.

Don’t worry about when Jesus returns, worry about your soul, and where you are going to go when you stand before Him. Take heed, watch, and pray, for you do not know when the time is.

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Jerk Wings if you're a fan of bold flavors and spicy kicks, then jerk wings are a must-try. there's something irresistible about the combination of spicy and crispy. Whether you're hosting a game night or simply craving a delicious appetizer, these wings are sure to impress.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, brunch, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican

Keyword: air fryer jamaican jerk wings, air fryer jerk wings, jamaican jerk wings, jerk wings in the air fryer

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 1661kcal

Author: Jerk Tavern

Ingredients

2 pounds of chicken wings
1/4 cup dry jerk seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp mushroom soy sauce
3 tbsp black pepper (to taste)
3 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt (to taste)