smoky oleato wings

episode #2 of my wing series

This recipe was fully inspired by the oleato line at starbucks: velvety smooth coffee beverages infused with sicilian partanna evoo.

I thought it would be fun to create wings with that flavor profile in mind. 

The wings are coated in a savory coffee rub, air fried to crisp perfection then tossed in a silky oleato (coffee plus evoo) sauce. It’s pleasantly bitter with both sweet & savory notes thanks to the addition of brown sugar, smoked paprika & garlic powder.

pair with ranch or blue cheese & it’s game over

recipe!

smoky oleato wings

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

ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings

• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder 

• extra virgin olive oil

for the coffee rub

• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground coffee, light roast

• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 1/2-2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

for the oleato sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons coffee rub

instructions

to prepare the dry rub,  combine all of the ingredients. Set aside.

to prepare the wings, pat wings completely dry. Add to a bowl & drizzle oil. Toss. Coat with baking powder followed by 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared coffee rub. 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 oleato sauce.

Pour sauce sauce over fried wings. Toss to coat. Serve immediately alongside ranch or blue cheese.

to prepare oleato sauce, in a skillet, melt the butter on low heat, add 2 tablespoons of dry rub & whisk to combine. Remove from heat and add olive oil. Whisk again. Add additional dry rub and/or salt, to taste.