WINGING IT

 

These wings were "fried" in a convection oven. 

So, I did not get an air fryer for Christmas. Having read raves from Facebook friends about what a useful appliance is the air fryer, I’ve been wanting to try one.  Then I read that an air fryer is basically the same thing as a convection oven. And, I’ve got a convection oven that I rarely use. Time to put it through its paces.

An air fryer (freidora de aire or freidora sin aceite, without oil) works by producing heat and circulating the heated air by means of a fan. The ingredients to be “fried” are placed in a basket or on a slatted tray so that the heat can circulate under as well as over the pieces of food, allowing them to crisp on the outside while becoming tender on the inside. 

An oven with convection capabilities works similarly. However, my (European) oven doesn’t have a “convection” setting. Rather, it is designated as “true fan cooking,” or, in Spanish, “turbo”.  

To use a convection oven in the same way as an air fryer you need a rack, grid or basket that allows heated air to flow under the food. I placed heat-safe cooling racks on the oven’s rimmed sheet pan. 

I’m starting with basics—chicken wings, potato wedges and roast cauliflower. I was able to lay out 15 wings on the rack at one time, a quantity that would probably have to be done in two batches in an air fryer. Although I can’t compare the results with a true air fryer, I must say, these are pretty good wings! Although, for delicious, nothing can match batter-dipped wings fried in olive oil. 

To go with the wings, air-fried potato wedges and cauliflower and a blue cheese dipping sauce.

Just like the promotions say--crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside.

To dip or not to dip?

Air-Fried Chicken Wings

Alitas en Freidora de Aire

Use all drumettes (the thick section of the wing) or drumettes and flats. (Save the wing tips for the stock pot.)

Use a spoon rather than fingers to sprinkle the spice mixture on the wings, so that, if some of the spice is left, it can be saved for another use without contamination from fingers.

Palette of spices for the wings.

1 ½ pounds chicken wings

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano

1 teaspoon pimentón de la Vera dulce (smoked sweet paprika)

¼ teaspoon pimentón de la Vera picante (smoked hot paprika)

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon celery seeds

1 tablespoon olive oil

Rack allows hot air to circulate.

Divide the wings into segments (drumette and flat) and dry them very well. In a bowl combine the salt, oregano, two kinds of pimentón, pepper, cumin, garlic, and celery seeds. Drizzle or spray the chicken pieces with oil. Sprinkle the wings with the spices. 

Preheat oven with fan to 375ºF. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil to catch drips (I forgot this step). Place rack, grid or basket on the sheet pan. Arrange the wings in a single layer so they are not touching on the rack. 

Roast the wings 5 minutes. Use tongs to turn the wings and roast 5 minutes more. Turn up the oven temperature to 400ºF. Roast 5 minutes and turn again. Roast 5 minutes more or until the wings are browned and crisped. Remove. 

Air-Fried Potatoes and Cauliflower

Patatas y Coliflor Fritas

Potatoes and cauliflower were air fried as well.

Cut potatoes in wedges. Cut cauliflower crosswise through the stem in slabs about 1 inch thick. Toss potatoes and cauliflower with olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary. Arrange the pieces on rack positioned over a baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven with fan at 400ºF. Turn the pieces with tongs after 5 minutes. Roast them until browned, 10 minutes more.

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Salsa de Queso Azul para Dipear

This quick sauce can accompany the chicken wings, the potatoes, the cauliflower, or dippers such as endive leaves and celery sticks.

1/3 cup coarsely chopped green onions

5 ounces blue cheese (1 cup crumbled)

½ cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons dry Sherry

Salt, to taste

Pimentón picante (hot paprika) to garnish

Place the green onions in a mini food processor and chop them finely. Add the blue cheese, yogurt, and Sherry. Process until the mixture is smooth. Add salt to taste. Chill the sauce, covered. Serve sprinkled with pimentón. 

Another recipe for fried wings:

Crispy Fried Chicken Wings with Green Chile Sauce.

Everything you need to know about pimentón/paprika here.