Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drums separated)
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp coarsely ground white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks scallions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp neutral oil

Instructions:

  1. Pat each wing piece thoroughly with paper towels until the skin feels tacky and dry.
  2. In a large bowl, toss wings with 2 tbsp neutral oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch over the wings and toss vigorously until a thin, powdery film coats every crevice.
  4. Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through at the 12-minute mark.
  6. While wings finish cooking, heat 1 tsp neutral oil in a small skillet and quickly sauté minced garlic, sliced scallions, and sliced jalapeños until fragrant.
  7. Toss the hot wings with the sautéed aromatics and the combined sea salt, white pepper, Sichuan peppercorns, and sugar.