peruvian-inspired wings with aji verde sauce

episode #1 of my wing series

it’s officially wing week & it was difficult to decide what recipe to kick things off with

In total, there will be seven recipes, two of which are made in partnership with some exciting collaborators – more on that soon.

All of the recipes are fairly straight-forward, optimized for efficiency & ungodly delicious, I say that humbly. 

However, this first recipe, Peruvian-inspired wings with an aji verde dipping sauce may be a cut above the rest.

the sauce is a twelve outta ten

We eat with our eyes first. All of the wings are immediately appetizing but the vibrant colors in this recipe are the most alluring. A simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic & cumin powder provide the wings with a reddish tone that complement the green, aji verde sauce.

The flavor of the wings would be liked by all or should I say most. It isn’t too forward or subtle but will make you question if a dozen is enough for one serving.

I intentionally developed a mild spice mix to ensure it wouldn’t overpower the herbaceous, citrusy sauce. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Do enjoy the wings lathered In a bit of aji verde –– they’re tasty alone but magical as a duo.

The wings require only 8 ingredients which most amateur cooks would have on hand––minus the wings. There are also 8 ingredients needed for the aji verde sauce. A traditional aji verde sauce must have aji amarillo paste; it is an essential ingredient in many Peruvian recipes. 

However, we are prioritizing efficiency & ease, so I’ve included an easy substitute that you can find at any grocery store.

be on the lookout – there are six more recipes in this series :)

recipe!

peruvian-inspired wings with aji verde dipping sauce

2-4 servings (main, appetizer) 10 mins prep + 20 mins cook | 30 mins total time

ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder 

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder

for the smoky butter sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter

• splash of white vinegar 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika 

for the aji verde sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, trimmed & roughly chopped

• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 6 scallions, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste; substitute with 1 medium jalapeño, seeds removed + roughly chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

instructions

to prepare the wings,  in a bowl, combine baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder & cumin powder. Add salt to preference. Set aside.

Pat wings completely dry. Add to a bowl & drizzle with avocado oil. Toss. Sprinkle with seasoning mix. Toss again. Place wings in air fryer, at 400°F for 20 minutes OR 22-24 minutes (for extra crispy wings), flipping halfway through. While chicken is frying, prepare aji verde sauce & smoky butter sauce.

Pour butter sauce over fried wings. Toss to coat. Serve immediately alongside the aji verde sauce.

to prepare smoky butter sauce, in a skillet, melt the butter on low heat, add smoked paprika & whisk to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat & add vinegar. Whisk again. Add salt to taste.

to prepare aji verde sauce, combine all ingredients in a food processor. Add salt to taste.