I'm a TikTok chef - here's how to get a smoky BBQ flavour on chicken wings using an air fryer

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Part of the joy of BBQ season is the distinctive smell of food sizzling away over an open flame. But getting the BBQ out, cleaned, prepped and manned is a big operation.

TikTok creator @TastyUK, who is based in the UK, has provided us with a very useful shortcut when it comes to getting all of that wood-fired, smoky BBQ flavour - without the faff.

Sharing her trick on TikTok, the food influencer uses an air fryer to create a smokey jerk chicken wing - by adding apple wood chips to the space between the bottom of the air fryer and the basket.

She explains: 'I added flavoured woodchips into the bottom of my air fryer to see if they would add more flavour to my BBQ jerk wings and guess what? It did.'

'You see, there's a little space in between the bottom of the air fryer and the basket where you can add the wood chips,' she continued.

TikTok creator @TastyUK has provided us with a very useful shortcut when it comes to getting an authentic wood-fired BBQ flavour

The creator adds apple wood chips to the space between the bottom of the air fryer and the basket in order to enhance the taste of her jerk wings

This TikTok creator used Extreme BBQ Apple Wood Chips, which are available on Amazon for £6.75.

There are plenty of other flavours to choose from, including Hickory, Cherry and Cognac wood chips.

The creator went on to reveal her failsafe jerk chicken wings recipe, telling viewers: 'Not only do these wings taste amazing, they're also really tender and juicy and the marinade is so easy - it's just jerk seasoning, cumin, BBQ sauce and a drizzle of honey.'

Followers shared their approval of the air fryer hack, with one writing: 'Omg we are sooooo doing this,' while another said: 'Whaaaaaat? I’m so making these!!'

Another trick if you're low on time and want to enhance your air fryer dishes is to rub an onion on the basket grate (or grates) to infuse meats and veg during the cooking process.

This also mimics BBQ flavours, with a hint of fried onions.

Food experts at online grocery outlet Getir recommended this trick as a way to maximise the flavour of BBQ-style dishes like grilled meats, kebabs and corn on the cob.

A spokesperson for the brand told The Express: 'Before you start the air fryer grilling, a great trick is to cut an onion in half and rub it on the basket grates.

The TikTok creators recipe consists of jerk seasoning, cumin, BBQ sauce and a drizzle of honey

BBQ experts also recommend letting the air fryer get really hot before putting the food on for a crispier finish

'This instantly adds a quick hit of seasoning and flavour to your food.

'Plus, the acidity and natural enzymes in onions prevent foods from sticking to the basket - making the clean up a whole lot easier.'

The food experts also suggest letting the air fryer fully heat up before putting any food on, if you want to replicate the BBQ cooking process as quickly as possible.

The Getir experts said: 'Just as you let a BBQ heat up before placing any food on the grill, it's crucial to preheat your air fryer, in the same manner, to maximise the crisping effect and replicate the high heat of a BBQ.

'Preheat your air fryer for three to five minutes between 175C and 200C which is the best temperature to cook most BBQ-style foods. This high heat will ensure a crispy outer sear and a juicy, tender inside.'