Food January 16, 2021

How to make guilt-free air fryer maple glazed chicken wings and onion rings

WATCH: Chef George Duran shares guilt-free comfort eats with viewers

Not only is it possible to make guilt-free guilty pleasures at home, it's easier than ever with these recipes and an air fryer.

Chef George Duran shared his expertise on how to cut calories and fat from classic indulgences with "Good Morning America."

Using the convection heat of an air fryer eliminates the need for more oil and thus helps perfectly crisp food without deep frying.

Recently, Duran said he lost 20 pounds and hailed his ability to cook with less fat, thanks to his air fryer.

Check out two guilt-free recipes he loves below.

Maple glazed air fryer chicken wings

George Duran
Maple-glazed chicken wings cooked in an air fryer.

Ingredients

10 chicken wings, tips removed kosher salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

non-stick spray

Directions

Pat wings dry with a paper towel and salt them on both sides. Place on a paper towel-lined dish in the refrigerator for an hour or more to dry the skin.

Spray the inside of your air fryer with a little bit of non-stick spray and air fry the wings at 400 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, more or less, depending on the size of your wings and air fryer, until golden brown. You may need to air fry in batches or flip the wings halfway through cooking.

While the wings are cooking, whisk the maple syrup, mustard and soy sauce in a sauté pan and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Once wings are fully browned, toss them into the warm maple mixture in the sauté pan until they are fully coated.

Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Healthier air fryer onion rings

George Duran
Vidalia onion rings cooked in an air fryer.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 large Vidalia or sweet onion

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt or seasoning of your choice

Seltzer water

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Oil spray

Directions

Peel onion and remove ends. Cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices. Use your fingers to gently push out the onion rings.

Mix flour with salt or seasoning in a medium bowl and begin whisking in seltzer water until you have a loose, pancake batter-like consistency.

Drop in your onion rings and make sure each ring is fully coated with batter.

Place seasoned breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl and begin breading each onion ring.

Spray some oil spray on the bottom of your air fryer and add your onion rings. Spray some more olive oil on onion rings.

Working in batches, air fry the onion rings at 380 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.