Al Pastor and Chile Limón Air Fried Chicken Wings

I am obsessed with chicken wings and these are literally one of the best ones I have ever made. Chile Limon and Al Pastor by Spanglish Asadero is I used on them, plus a little bit of olive oil to help with it’s crisp. I went with air frying because I love the health benefits it offers and I don’t have to sacrifice taste at all.

What Can I expect in a Chile Limón Dry seasoning?

Chile Limón seasoning is a popular flavoring used in Mexican and Latin American cooking, and it’s also often used to spice up snacks like chips or popcorn in the United States and other places around the world. It’s a flavorful blend that usually consists of chili powder, which gives a bit of heat; lime (or “limon”) flavor, which adds a tangy citrus note; and salt, which enhances the overall taste. Some versions may also contain additional spices or flavorings for complexity.

This seasoning can be used on all sorts of foods, from meats to vegetables to fruit. It provides a wonderful balance of hot, salty, and tangy flavors that can really brighten up a dish. Note that the heat level can vary depending on the amount and type of chili used, so it’s always a good idea to taste as you go if you’re using this seasoning in your cooking.

Keep in mind that while “limon” translates to “lemon” in English, in many Spanish-speaking countries, the term “limon” can refer to what English speakers know as “lime”. Therefore, in this context, the “limon” in chile limon seasoning typically refers to lime flavor, not lemon.

What Can I expect in an Al Pastor Dry seasoning?

Al Pastor seasoning is a type of Mexican spice mix that’s used to create Al Pastor, a popular dish that involves marinating and then grilling meat, often pork. Al Pastor literally translates to “in the style of the shepherd” from Spanish, and its origins trace back to the influence of Lebanese immigrants in Mexico who originally used lamb for this style of cooking.

Dry Al Pastor seasoning typically includes a blend of various spices and ingredients. While the exact recipe can vary, common ingredients include:

• Dried chili peppers: Often a blend of several types like guajillo, ancho, or chipotle.
• Achiote: A spice derived from annatto seeds, it provides a distinctive earthy, sweet, and mildly peppery flavor and a vibrant color.
• Cumin: For a warm, earthy flavor.
• Garlic and Onion powder: For savory depth.
• Oregano: Usually Mexican oregano, which is slightly different from Mediterranean oregano.
• Cloves and cinnamon: These provide a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.

Some versions may also contain dried pineapple powder for the touch of sweetness and acidity that’s often found in Al Pastor dishes.

The seasoning is typically mixed with vinegar or citrus juice to make a marinade, and then the meat is left to marinate before being cooked, traditionally on a vertical spit but often on a grill or in the oven in home kitchens. The result is a deliciously spicy, slightly sweet, and tangy dish with a wonderful depth of flavor.

Keep in mind that this is a generalized list and the ingredients can vary based on regional or personal preferences. For example, some versions might include other spices, or use fresh ingredients like fresh garlic or fresh pineapple juice.

Check out more of my chicken wing recipes!

Dominican Chicken Wings
Ginger Honey Glazed Chicken Wings
Pickle Brined Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Sweet Chile Limon Chicken Wings
Beer Soaked Chimichurri Wings
Latin Style Tempura Chicken Wings