Spicy Amchoor Chicken Wings Recipe – Air Fryer & Garam Masala

Neha DeshmukhRecipe Author
Ingredients
2
Person(s)
  • 1 pound
    chicken wings
  • 0.5 tsp
    amchoor
  • 0.5 tsp
    cayenne
  • 0.5 tsp
    Kashmiri chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp
    brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp
    granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp
    cumin
  • 0.5 tsp
    sea salt
  • 1 tsp
    garam masala
  • 1 Tbsp
    ghee
Directions
  • Pat dry chicken wings thoroughly and coat with melted ghee or oil in a mixing bowl.
  • Combine amchoor, cayenne pepper, Kashmiri chili powder, brown sugar, granulated garlic, cumin, salt, and garam masala in a separate bowl. Reserve 1 teaspoon of this spice mix.
  • Massage the remaining dry rub onto the wings until evenly coated.
  • Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Arrange wings in a single layer and cook for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Transfer wings to a serving plate and dust with the reserved spice mix. Serve immediately.
Nutritions
  • Calories:
    396 kcal
    25%
  • Energy:
    1656 kJ
    22%
  • Protein:
    23 g
    28%
  • Carbohydrates:
    14 mg
    40%
  • Sugar:
    12 mg
    8%
  • Salt:
    684 g
    25%
  • Fat:
    27 g
    20%

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Amchoor Chicken Wings Recipe – Air Fryer & Garam Masala

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a snack that packs a punch. And let me tell you, these Spicy Amchoor Chicken Wings are it! I first made these for a game night with friends, and they were gone in minutes. The tangy amchoor combined with the warm garam masala is just… chef’s kiss. Plus, the air fryer makes them unbelievably crispy. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average chicken wings. We’re taking classic flavors and giving them a delicious Indian twist. They’re:

  • Flavorful: The amchoor (dried mango powder) adds a unique tanginess you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Crispy: Air frying delivers that perfect crunch without all the oil.
  • Easy: Seriously, this recipe is a breeze to make, even on a weeknight.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking – mild, medium, or hot, we’ve got you covered!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing wings:

  • 1 pound (450g) chicken wings
  • 1/2 tsp amchoor (dried mango powder)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp (30ml) brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 Tbsp (15ml) ghee (or oil)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients that make this recipe special:

  • Amchoor: This is a staple in Indian cooking! It’s made from unripe green mangoes that are dried and ground into a powder. It adds a lovely tartness that balances the spice beautifully. If you can’t find it, see the FAQs for substitution ideas.
  • Kashmiri Chili Powder: Don’t confuse this with regular chili powder. Kashmiri chili powder is known for its vibrant red color and mild heat. It adds a gorgeous hue and subtle flavor to the wings.
  • Ghee: Ghee is clarified butter, and it adds a rich, nutty flavor. It also helps the spices adhere to the wings. You can substitute with oil, but ghee really elevates the taste.
  • Garam Masala: This is a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Every family has their own garam masala blend, so feel free to use your favorite! It’s the heart of so many Indian dishes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get these wings cooking!

  1. First, pat those chicken wings really dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin. Then, in a mixing bowl, coat them with the melted ghee (or oil).
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the amchoor, cayenne, Kashmiri chili powder, brown sugar, granulated garlic, cumin, salt, and garam masala. Reserve about 1 teaspoon of this spice mix for later.
  3. Now, massage the remaining spice rub all over the wings, making sure they’re evenly coated. Don’t be shy! Get in there with your hands.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd them! Cook for 20-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
  5. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, transfer the wings to a serving plate. Dust them with the reserved spice mix and serve immediately. Seriously, don’t wait!

Expert Tips

  • Don’t skip drying the wings! It’s the most important step for achieving maximum crispiness.
  • Single layer is key. Overcrowding the air fryer will steam the wings instead of frying them. Work in batches if needed.
  • Spice it up (or down). Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

  • Spice Level Adjustments:
    • Mild: Reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 tsp or omit it altogether.
    • Medium: Stick with the 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
    • Hot: Add an extra 1/4 – 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes.
  • Air Fryer vs. Oven Baking Adaptation: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these wings in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious!
  • Festival Adaptations: These wings are perfect for Diwali parties or game day snacks! My family loves to serve them with a side of mint chutney.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

  • With a side of cooling raita (yogurt dip).
  • Alongside some crispy vegetable pakoras.
  • Served with a refreshing mango lassi.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

  • Can I marinate the wings overnight? Yes, you can! Marinating them overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator.
  • What is Amchoor and can I substitute it? Amchoor is dried mango powder. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
  • Can I use a different oil instead of ghee? Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil.
  • How do I achieve extra crispy wings in the air fryer? Make sure the wings are completely dry before coating them in the spice rub. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • What is the best way to adjust the spice level? Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Images