Air fryer Caribbean citrus chicken wings are Haitian-inspired crispy whole chicken wings with a Creole lemon kick, served alongside a shredded vegetable and arugula salad tossed in a citrus scotch bonnet vinaigrette. These wings deliver a mouthwatering blend of bold, citrus flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
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Caribbean Vibes with a Twist
For a romantic dinner for two or a game night feast, this recipe delivers the bold Caribbean flavors of citrus, spice, and crunch in every bite.
These Air Fryer Caribbean Citrus Chicken Wings with Spicy Slaw Salad are crispy golden-brown wings, seasoned with a quick Creole citrus blend, and pair perfectly with a refreshing shredded vegetable slaw tossed in a Scotch bonnet vinaigrette.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection - Golden brown wings made effortless with the air fryer.
- Zesty Caribbean Flavor - A citrusy Creole seasoning blend with a kick of Scotch bonnet heat.
- Fresh Crunch - Shredded vegetables and peppery arugula tossed in a vibrant citrus vinaigrette.
- Inspired by Haitian Cuisine - Flavors rooted in pikliz and traditional Haitian seasonings.
- Quick & Impressive - Perfect for a romantic dinner or to wow guests on game night.
Haitian Cuisine Influence
This recipe draws inspiration from pikliz, a beloved Haitian condiment made with pickled vegetables, chili peppers, and citrus. Pikliz is traditionally used to add heat and brightness to savory dishes, and here its essence is reimagined in the spicy slaw salad.
Haitian cooks often build layers of flavor with parsley, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and fiery scotch bonnet chili peppers balanced by fresh citrus, a combination that shines in both the wings and the slaw.
Citrus Fruit + Hot Peppers = Caribbean Cuisine
Citrus fruits are a cornerstone of Caribbean cooking. Their bright, tangy notes cut through rich meats and highlight bold, spicy flavors. While sour orange is a traditional favorite, this recipe uses a trio of lime, lemon, and orange to mimic its tart, slightly bitter complexity.
The Best Combination: When combined with the heat of Scotch bonnet peppers, you achieve the perfect balance of zesty freshness and a fiery kick.
Sour Orange's Popularity
One of the most popular citrus fruits in Caribbean cooking is sour orange, also known as bitter orange. This fruit, believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and later introduced to the Caribbean by Spanish settlers, is often used in marinades, sauces, and dressings.
Sour orange's tartness is essential in many traditional dishes, adding both flavor and a natural tenderizing effect to meats, making it a key ingredient in creating the vibrant, well-rounded flavors Caribbean cuisine is known for.
While sour orange isn't used in this recipe due to its limited availability, a mixture of citrus fruits like lime, lemon, and orange helps mimic its unique tart and slightly bitter flavor.
That Beloved Fiery Kick
Caribbean cuisine is unapologetically bold with chilies like Scotch bonnet and habanero adding depth and heat. For me, spice is the ultimate way to elevate a dish; it's what connects the wings and slaw into one vibrant meal.
These bold flavors remind me of why I love cuisines from the Caribbean, West Africa, India, and Korea: each celebrates heat as an essential layer of flavor, not just an afterthought.
Try These Other Globally-Inspired Recipes
- Easy Air Fryer Sticky Date Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Spicy Peanut Chicken Wings with Mushroom Jollof Fonio Pilaf
- Loaded Plantain Fries with Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Things and Spicy Slaw
- Vegetarian Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Hot Honey Glazed Vegetables
- Papaya Rum Coconut Ninja CREAMi
Ingredients with Steps
First, cut the cabbage, carrots, onions, and red bell pepper into thin strips and place them in a resealable bag. Then, make the vinaigrette by blending freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, scotch bonnet pepper sauce, ground black pepper, and kosher salt.
Combine the shredded vegetables with the dressing to make the slaw, and marinate them in the fridge. Next, season the whole chicken wings with lemon pepper, Creole seasoning, avocado oil, and air fry until golden brown and crispy.
Before plating, drain the liquid from the shredded vegetables into a container and add fresh, chopped parsley, orange zest, and lime zest. Finally, plate up the dish by mixing the slaw with fresh baby arugula and place it on the dish alongside the chicken wings and additional dressing. Voila! The best Air Fryer Caribbean Citrus Chicken Wings you'll ever have.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this Air Fryer Caribbean Citrus Chicken Wings recipe.
- Chicken Wings - The cut of chicken that includes the drumette and wingette, often used in appetizer or snack recipes, is prized for its crispy skin and tender meat when cooked in an air fryer. It's the perfect part of the chicken, beside the thighs, to cook in an air fryer, as the skin gets crispy and juicy.
- Citrus - A category of fruits known for their bright, tangy flavor. In this recipe, a mix of citrus fruits like lime, lemon, and orange can be used to add a fresh, zesty flavor and balance the richness of the wings.
- Lime - A small, green citrus fruit with a tart flavor. Lime is commonly used in Caribbean cuisine to add acidity and brightness to savory dishes and marinades.
- Lemon - A yellow citrus fruit with a sour taste, often used in marinades to tenderize meat and add a refreshing flavor. It pairs well with herbs and spices to enhance the wings' overall taste.
- Orange - A sweet, juicy citrus fruit that provides a mild sweetness and tang to the marinade. Its juice and zest are often used in Caribbean recipes for a bright, citrusy punch.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper - A small but fiery chili pepper commonly used in Caribbean cooking. It delivers intense heat and a slightly fruity flavor that enhances the overall spice of the dish. Learn more about Scotch Bonnet Peppers or the Scoville Scale.
See the inspired Haitian fried chicken recipe card for quantities.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
An immersion blender can conveniently emulsify the ingredients with the oil to create the citrus vinaigrette.
Place the ingredients in a sealable bag instead of a jar, allowing them to massage the vegetables with the vinaigrette for a quick marination.
Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel allows the seasoning and oil to adhere to the meat, creating a crispy, golden skin.
Tuck the tips of the wings under the neighboring chicken to prevent burning in the air fryer.
Have everything out and ready for plate up, including a bowl to toss the salad and a container to finish the vinaigrette.
Tips on How to Stack Whole Chicken Wings
Follow the step-by-step tutorial below to present the wings.
To begin with, place the flatter side of the wing horizontally near the salad.
Place the second wing in the opposite direction to achieve both contrast and stability.
Place the last wing with the flat side facing up for a nice presentation.
Photo Source: Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings
Equipment
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe with ease:
- Resealable Bag - Used to conveniently marinate shredded vegetables.
- Immersion Blender - To blend the vinaigrette.
- Air Fryer - The air fryer is a faster alternative to deep-frying chicken wings. I use the 4-quart Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill and develop my air fryer recipes to cook them.
- If you're using an oven instead, I recommend baking the wings on a baking sheet with a wire rack at 400°F for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Depending on the size of the wings, it may take up to 60 minutes to bake them thoroughly.
- Paper Towels - To pat dry the whole chicken wings.
- Large Bowl - This is used to mix the shredded vegetables with the baby arugula.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
My Review: Of course, I had to get this hand blender in red to match my stand mixer, and I love the convenience and power it brings to my kitchen! With all the included gadgets and easy cleaning (just detach and rinse!), It's become my go-to for everything from smoothies to soups. It's a true "stick blender" with a design that lets me blend even larger quantities of liquid, especially with the slim cup. Highly recommend! If you didn't know already, the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender boasts a powerful rechargeable battery that blends up to 25 bowls of soup on a single charge and offers a quick 20-minute charge option for smaller tasks. It's an 8" removable blending arm with a 4-point stainless steel blade that tackles a variety of recipes, from smoothies to soups, while the variable speed trigger switch provides precise control. This versatile hand blender comes with a convenient charger, blending jar, and pan guard, making it a practical and efficient addition to any kitchen.
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking bigger portions, and cleanup is a breeze—just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless with no damage. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one!
My Review: I use this must-have air fryer practically every day! Most of my recipes call for it. It is quick and easy to use. Also, it’s multifunctional with not only the air fryer option but also a roast, grill, bake, and even a dehydrating function. Setting the time and temperature is easy with soft, apparent button features. See the results with my Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables recipe. 08/19/24: I rate this product 4 out of 5 for space and convenience. Because it takes up a lot of space.
Additionally, it has many components to clean and is not dishwasher safe. I suggest washing by hand after every use to prevent chipping. However, I refuse to give this equipment away; as an air fryer, it's the best I've had so far.
America's Test Kitchen - Winner
My Review: The Thermapen ONE by ThermoWorks is my go-to kitchen thermometer - simple, fast, and incredibly precise. It delivers accurate readings in just one second, making it perfect for everything from meats to baked goods. I love that it's waterproof, has a rotating backlit display, and turns on automatically when you unfold the probe. It's been voted the top thermometer by America's Test Kitchen. It comes with a 5-year warranty and a NIST-traceable calibration certificate, ensuring its reliability—a must-have tool for any cook.
Substitutions
Find easy ingredient swaps to fit dietary needs or what you already have in your pantry.
Dairy Free
- Yay! This delicious citrus chicken wings recipe is already dairy-free.
Gluten-Free
- Bonus! This recipe is also gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- Tofu - Use firm or extra-firm tofu, press out excess moisture, then cut into cubes or slabs. Toss with the same citrus Creole seasoning and air fry until golden and crisp (about 12-15 minutes at 400°F, shaking halfway).
- Cauliflower - Break into medium florets, coat with a drizzle of oil and the citrus seasoning blend, then air fry until tender with charred edges (about 15-18 minutes at 400°F).
Convenience
- Sliced Cabbage and Carrots - Try using store-bought pre-cut slaw vegetables, usually in your local market's salad section.
- Red Bell Pepper - Use a green bell pepper; red is used for presentation purposes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Use white vinegar; traditional pikliz uses white vinegar. I used ACV instead to make it flavorful for a vinaigrette.
- Avocado Oil - I used a high-smoke-point oil since it goes into the air fryer, but you can replace it with a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point.
- Citrus Fruits - If you can't find or don't have fresh oranges or limes on hand, try using their juices or substitute a different citrus fruit, such as grapefruit or tangerine. You can have a balance of sweet and sour.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce - Fresh, thinly sliced scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. Learn more about scotch bonnet peppers here.
Change Heat Level - Adjust the heat level of the citrus chicken wings recipe to your taste and discover more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- The Chicken - Use other parts of the chicken, such as chicken breast or chicken thighs.
Storage Instructions
Learn the best methods for storing and reheating leftovers to keep them fresh and flavorful.
- Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, you can place the chicken wings in a shallow 2-inch container to cool down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container.
- You have a choice to place the dressing back with the shredded vegetables or to keep them separate. I suggest not mixing the arugula and shredded vegetables separately since the arugula needs to be kept dry to last longer.
- As a result, the meal will last up to three days.
- However, if you keep the vegetables marinated, they can last up to a week.
- Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process for the chicken wings mentioned above. Air fryer Caribbean citrus chicken wings are Haitian-inspired cri. I use a labeled resealable freezer bag.
Cooking Tips
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab. Click here for an extended live Culinary Glossary. Learn more about high smoke point oils and why I used avocado oil instead of olive oil for the air fryer.
- Perfect Appetizer - Turn these into a treat for the crew for a great game night by multiplying the recipe and separating the whole chicken wings into flats and drummettes before seasoning and air frying them.
- For Best Flavor - For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken wings for at least 2-4 hours, allowing the marinade to penetrate the meat thoroughly. For an even deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge, but avoid going beyond 24 hours, as the citrus acids can start to break down the meat too much.
- Get Maximum Crispiness - For perfectly crispy chicken wings in the air fryer, pat the wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning or marinating. Moisture on the surface can cause steaming instead of crisping. For extra crunch, lightly coat the wings with a small amount of cornstarch or baking powder before placing them in the air fryer.
- For Food Safety - Always use a meat thermometer, such as a Thermapen, to ensure your chicken wings are cooked safely. The thickest part of the meat (away from the bone) should reach 165°F (74°C). This quick check not only keeps your meal safe but also prevents overcooking, so the wings stay juicy inside and crispy outside.
Chicken Wing Marinating Hack: If you're short on time, try this quick marinating hack: place the wings and marinade in a sealable bag and massage the mixture into the wings. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes while you prep other ingredients. The massage helps the marinade absorb more quickly, and room-temperature resting allows for quicker infusion of flavors before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
While bottled citrus juice can be used in a pinch, fresh citrus juice is recommended for the best flavor. Fresh lime, lemon, and orange juice provide a brighter, more vibrant taste that enhances the wings.
You can substitute with habanero sauce or even a milder hot sauce, adjusting to taste. For a less spicy version, use fresh chili flakes or cayenne pepper in the vinaigrette.
You can use fewer Scotch bonnet peppers to reduce heat or substitute them with a milder chili like jalapeño. You can also increase the citrus juice to balance out the spice.
Yes, marinating the wings overnight will deepen the flavors. However, due to the citrus in the marinade, be cautious not to exceed 24 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
Yes! You can bake them on a wire rack set over a sheet pan at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden. A broiler finish will help mimic the crispiness of the air fryer.
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the wing it should read 165°F (74°C). This ensures the wings are safe to eat while staying juicy and tender.
Yes! Swap the wings for air-fried cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian version. For a vegan-friendly twist, substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey in the slaw dressing.
Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
- Jerk Fajita Trio: 3 Must-Try Recipes for a Spicy Weeknight Cook-Up
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Air Fryer Jerk Shrimp Fajitas | Easy Caribbean in 20 Minutes
- Beituti Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl | Quick and Easy
Poultry Recipes
Looking for other poultry recipes like this? Try these:
- Comforting Turkey Chili Baked Potatoes | Sour Cream & Chives
- Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw | Spicy & Sweet
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad | Quick & Easy Meal Prep
- Surprisingly High-Protein Meals Using Beans or Ground Turkey!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Caribbean Style Citrus Chicken Wings and Slaw Salad
Ingredients
Spicy Slaw Salad
- ¼ cabbage
- 1 medium carrot
- ¼ medium onion
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 1 orange juiced (zested is optional)
- 1 lime juiced (zested is optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons scotch bonnet pepper sauce or chopped fresh scotch bonnet pepper
- kosher salt and pepper
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 1 cup baby arugula
- ¼ cup parsley leaves
Chicken Wings
- 6 whole chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ tablespoon Creole seasoning
Equipment
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the cabbage, carrot, onion, and red bell pepper into long, thin strips, place them in a resealable bag, and set it aside.
- Make the Dressing: Blend the orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, scotch bonnet pepper sauce, black pepper, and salt with an immersion blender. Then, blend in the oil and taste for a balance of salt and hot pepper.
- Make the Slaw: Mix the shredded vegetables and add the dressing, seal with no air, combine well by massaging the vegetables with the dressing for 30 seconds, and refrigerate.
- Set the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken Wings: Pat dry each with paper towels and season with lemon pepper, Creole seasoning, and oil. Then, place them in the air fryer basket with the wings tucked into the neighboring chicken wing and fry for 10 minutes on each side.
- Finish the Prep: While the chicken cooks, chop the parsley and set aside. Then, massage the bag of slaw and place it back into the fridge.
- Finish the Dressing: When the chicken is ready, drain the liquid from the bag of marinated shredded vegetables into a container, mix it with parsley and zest, and set it aside.
- Make the Salad: Toss the shredded vegetables with arugula and plate in a tight bunch on half of the center of a plate. Then, stack the chicken wings next to the salad. Note: You can find tips on how to stack on the blog.
- Finally, drizzle the dressing on the salad and around the bottom of the plate.
Video
Notes
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning - Combine 2 tablespoons of dried lemon zest with 1 tablespoon of coarsely ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to six months.
- Creole Seasoning - Blend 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper (or less, depending on your spice preference), 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of white pepper, and 1 tablespoon of salt.
Nutrition
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