Chicken Suya Wings are a "street-meat" inspired recipe from Nigeria. They are coated in a spicy, peanut-based dry rub and air fried to perfection. This "oil-less" recipe produces the crispiest chicken wings that fall off the bone without worrying about the calories. These wings can be a savory side dish, wing appetizer, or eaten with Nigerian Fried Rice.
My go to is chicken suya with vegan jollof rice and air-fried plantains.
Suya is a spicy skewered street meat traditionally from Northern Nigeria. It is a huge part of the cultural and dining experience in Nigeria. Suya is usually made with thinly sliced beef, ram, chicken, or sometimes organ meat and seasoned with ground peanuts and other spices. It is also traditionally known to be wrapped in newspaper, which adds to the presentation.
Buying Suya in Nigeria was a must when we traveled home. The city streets were filled with vendors that are selling newspaper-wrapped meat skewers and alluring us to buy from their stand.
So creating this modern version really made me feel right at home.
Ingredients for Chicken Suya
- suya spice. Suya spice is a combination of roasted peanuts, ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt. Most African Markets sell already made suya seasoning, but if you want to make it from scratch, follow this recipe.
- herbs/spices. Chicken bouillon, complete seasoning, onion powder, white pepper, thyme, ground ginger, and Cameroon pepper (optional)
- cooking spray. I love using avocado cooking spray. It cooks well at high temperatures.
Calories in this Recipe
Most of the time, dry seasonings won't drastically affect a recipe's macronutrients; Unless it contains sugar or processed ingredients. If that is the case it will add to the carbohydrate or fat total.
Because the suya spice is made of mostly roasted peanuts, we have to remember that this recipe will have a higher fat ratio per serving.
This breakdown is for 1 serving of wings (about 2 drumettes & 2 flats).
Total Calories: 190 g
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 13 g
Carbs: 1 g
How to Make Chicken Suya
- Make dry rub. In a bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. Set aside
- Clean & Separate wings. In another bowl, clean and pat dry the chicken wings. Make sure to separate them into drumettes and flats. Also don't forget to remove the tips.
- Coat wings. Gently spray the wings with cooking spray & add dry rub to the chicken. Mix well
- Prepare air fryer. Use non-stick spray on your air fryer rack/basket before placing the wings inside. DON'T OVERCROWD.
- Cook them. Set the air fryer to 390℉ for 15 minutes.
- Flip them. After 10 minutes, flip the wings and let them cook for the remaining 5 minutes; or when the chicken is at an internal temperature of 165°
- Plate them. Serve and enjoy.
How to Make Chicken Suya In The Oven?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Use a wire baking rack over a baking sheet. Spray the rack to avoid sticking, and line the wings up without overcrowding.
Bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them since not all ovens are created the same. If you are unsure, confirm the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
They will be absolutely perfect. Since your air fryer will be free, try pairing them with Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer.
Store & Reheat
I doubt there will be leftovers, but if there are, store them in an air-tight container once cooled. They will be at their best when eaten within 2-3 days.
For the best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5-8 minutes. You can also pop them in the oven or microwave. It all depends on your heating preference.
You might also loved these...
- Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Plantains
- Nigerian Roasted Chicken
- Vegan Jollof Rice
- Jollof Rice without Tomato Paste
Air Fryer Chicken Suya Wings
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings separated into drumettes & flats
- 2 teaspoons suya spice
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cameroon pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon complete seasoning
- cooking spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. Set aside
- In another bowl, clean and pat dry the chicken wings. Make sure they are separated into drumettes and flats.
- Gently spray wings with cooking spray & add dry rub to the chicken. Mix well
- Use a non-stick spray on your air fryer rack/basket before placing the wings inside.
- Line wings on the rack without overcrowding them.
- Set the air fryer to 390℉ for 15 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the wings and let them cook for the remaining 5 minutes; or when chicken is at an internal temperature of 165°
- Plate them, serve, and enjoy.
Elizabeth says
Sooo damn good!!!!