Part of the joy of barbecue season is the distinctive smell of food sizzling over an open flame. But getting the grill out, cleaning it, prepping it, and staffing it is a major undertaking.
UK-based TikTok creator @TastyUK has given us a very useful shortcut to getting all that wood-smoked barbecue flavor – without the hassle.
Sharing her tip on TikTok, the food influencer uses an air fryer to create a smoked jerk chicken wing – adding apple wood chips to the space between the bottom of the air fryer and the basket.
She explains: “I added some flavored wood chips to the bottom of my air fryer to see if they would add more flavor to my BBQ jerk chicken wings and guess what? It’s the case. »
“You see, there’s a little space between the bottom of the fryer and the basket where you can add the wood chips,” she continued.
TikTok creator @TastyUK has given us a very useful shortcut for authentic wood-fired barbecue flavor
The creator adds apple wood chips to the space between the bottom of the air fryer and the basket to enhance the flavor of her jerk chicken wings.
This TikTok creator used Extreme BBQ Apple Wood Chips, available on Amazon for £6.75.
There are many other flavors to choose from including walnut, cherry, and cognac wood chips.
The creator then revealed her foolproof recipe for jerk chicken wings, telling viewers: “Not only do these wings taste amazing, they’re also so tender and juicy and the marinade is so simple – it’s just jerk seasoning, cumin, barbecue sauce and a drizzle of honey.
Followers shared their approval of the air fryer trick, with one writing: “OMG we are so doing this,” while another said: “What? I am so making these!! »
Another tip if you’re short on time and want to upgrade your air fryer dishes is to rub an onion on the basket rack (or racks) to infuse meats and vegetables during the cooking process.
This also mimics the flavors of barbecue, with a hint of fried onions.
Food experts at online grocery store Getir recommended this tip as a way to maximize the flavor of barbecue-style dishes like grilled meats, kebabs and corn on the cob.
A spokesperson for the brand told The Express: “Before you start grilling in the air fryer, a good tip is to cut an onion in half and rub it on the basket grates.
The recipe from the TikTok creators consists of jerk seasoning, cumin, barbecue sauce and a drizzle of honey.
Barbecue experts also recommend letting the fryer get very hot before putting food in for a crispier finish.
“It instantly adds a quick burst of seasoning and flavor to your food.
“Plus, the natural acidity and enzymes in onions prevent food from sticking to the basket, making cleanup much easier.”
Food experts also suggest letting the air fryer heat up completely before adding food, if you want to replicate the barbecue cooking process as quickly as possible.
Experts at Getir said: “Just as you allow a barbecue to heat up before placing food on the grill, it is crucial to preheat your air fryer, in the same way, to maximize the crisping effect and replicate the high heat of a barbecue.
“Preheat your air fryer for three to five minutes to between 175°C and 200°C, which is the ideal temperature for cooking most barbecue-style foods. This high heat will ensure a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. »
