Name: Thai Chicken Wings in Air Fryer (Paleo, Whole30, Keto) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.25-1.5 lbs chicken wings (wings and drumette separated); 2 tsp fish sauce; Less than 1 tsp white pepper; 1 tsp cumin powder (optional); Olive oil spray; 2-3 whole Thai red chili peppers (or 1 red serrano or fresno chili, optional); 1-2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional); Lime wedges (for serving)

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Introduction

These Thai Chicken Wings cooked in an air fryer are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with a touch of fish sauce and aromatic spices. Ideal for Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets, they come with a zesty jaew dipping sauce that adds a vibrant punch. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a fantastic snack or appetizer.

A white round plate lined with crumpled brown parchment paper holds about ten pieces of golden brown, crispy fried chicken wings arranged in a loose pile. The chicken has a crunchy texture with uneven, crispy skin showing darker brown spots. Bright red sliced chili peppers and green cilantro leaves are scattered on and around the chicken pieces, adding color contrast. To the top right, a white bowl with light brown dipping sauce containing herbs and spices sits on the parchment paper, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.25-1.5 lbs chicken wings (wings and drumette separated)
2 tsp fish sauce
Less than 1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp cumin powder (optional)
Olive oil spray
Jaew dipping sauce
2-3 whole Thai red chili peppers (or 1 red serrano or fresno chili, optional)
1-2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: In a shallow pan or tray just big enough to fit all the chicken wings, marinate the wings with fish sauce. Sprinkle white pepper and cumin powder on both sides.
Step 2: Let the wings marinate for a total of 10 minutes, flipping them after 5 minutes to season the other side. Use a timer to avoid over-marinating and a fishy taste.
Step 3: Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between them.
Step 4: Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes per side, about 20 minutes total, until both sides are golden and crispy.
Step 5: While the wings cook, prepare the jaew dipping sauce and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 6: When done, sprinkle chopped chilies and cilantro over the wings if using. Serve with lime wedges and the jaew dipping sauce on the side.
Step 7: For the best experience, serve the dipping sauce in individual bowls so everyone can dip the wings before each bite for maximum flavor.

Tips & Variations

If you’re not comfortable using fish sauce, you can skip the marinade or replace it with coconut aminos for a milder flavor.
Using an air fryer makes the wings crispier without extra oil, but you can also bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add extra heat by mixing chopped chilies directly into the dipping sauce or sprinkling some chili powder on the wings before cooking.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. The jaew dipping sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to a week but is best served fresh at room temperature.

How to Serve

A round, dark metal tray is lined with crinkled light brown parchment paper holding a pile of golden brown crispy fried chicken wings with visible crunchy texture and some green herb leaves scattered among them, along with a few small red chili pieces. On the upper right edge of the tray, there is a white bowl filled with a chunky green sauce containing herbs and spices, with a spoon partly visible inside. A woman's hand is holding one chicken wing close to the camera in the foreground, showing its detailed crispy, slightly uneven surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these wings without fish sauce?

Yes, you can omit the fish sauce if you prefer. The wings will still be delicious but with a milder, less umami flavor. Try substituting with coconut aminos or a light soy sauce alternative if not following Paleo or Whole30.

What is jaew dipping sauce?

Jaew is a traditional Northern Thai dipping sauce made with toasted rice powder, chili, herbs, and lime. It adds a spicy, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor that complements these chicken wings beautifully.