Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Safe To Cook Raw?

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Fortunately, air fryers offer a quick, easy, and healthy way to make crispy wings. You can cook raw chicken wings in an air fryer, and the process is straightforward. The air fryer's fan and heating mechanism create a whirlwind of hot air that crisps up the skin to golden perfection without the need for excessive oil. This guide will take you through the steps to make delicious air-fried chicken wings.

How to get the perfect crispy coating

To get the perfect crispy coating on your chicken wings, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure the chicken wings are as dry as possible before seasoning. Use paper towels to pat them dry, removing any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the skin puff up and blister during cooking, resulting in a crispy texture.

The next step is to season the chicken wings generously. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a common combination is kosher salt, white pepper, and baking powder. Some recipes also suggest adding a neutral oil, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, to help the seasoning adhere to the wings and enhance crispiness. Mix the seasonings and oil (if using) in a large bowl, ensuring the wings are evenly coated.

Baking powder is the secret ingredient to achieving an extra crispy coating. It reacts with the chicken skin by raising its pH level and creating tiny air bubbles, resulting in a beautiful golden brown and crispy exterior. It is important to note that aluminium-free baking powder is recommended, as the aluminium in some baking powders can cause a metallic taste for certain individuals.

Once the wings are seasoned, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This arrangement allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of wings, you may need to cook them in batches.

Finally, follow the recommended cooking temperatures and times for your air fryer. Typically, cooking the wings at a lower temperature for the first half of the cooking time and then increasing the temperature for the remaining time yields the best results. Don't forget to flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on both sides.

If you desire saucy wings, it is recommended to dunk the cooked wings in your desired sauce rather than tossing them in a bowl. This method ensures the crispy skin remains intact while still enjoying the flavour of your favourite sauce.

Marinating and seasoning the wings

Marinating and seasoning chicken wings is a crucial step in ensuring they turn out crispy and tasty. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Pat the Chicken Wings Dry:

Before applying any marinade or seasoning, it's essential to pat the chicken wings dry. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture from the wings. This step is crucial because it helps the wings achieve that coveted crispiness during cooking. It also ensures that your marinade or seasoning adheres better to the surface of the wings.

Prepare the Marinade:

There are various marinade recipes you can use, but the basic ingredients typically include oil, an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. Here's a simple marinade recipe you can try:

• Oil: Use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil according to your preference or dietary needs.
• Red Wine Vinegar: You can also substitute this with balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, or a combination of apple cider and lemon juice.
• Coconut Aminos or Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free and paleo-friendly option.
• Seasonings: Try dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Marinating the Wings:

Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the wings, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated. Cover or seal the container, and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how intense you want the flavor to be. The longer you leave the wings in the marinade, the more pronounced the flavor will be.

Seasoning the Wings:

If you prefer a simpler approach or are short on time, you can opt for seasoning the wings directly without marinating. Combine the wings with olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of white pepper and baking powder to enhance the crispiness and color of the skin. Toss the wings well to ensure an even coating of the seasoning mixture.

Resting and Cooking:

After marinating or seasoning, let the wings rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the wings cook more evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F, and then place the wings inside, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the wings and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Increase the temperature during the final minutes of cooking for extra crispiness.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken wings in an air fryer depend on the size of the wings and the air fryer being used. It is recommended to cook at a temperature between 360ºF and 400ºF for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

For example, one source recommends cooking two pounds of chicken wings in an air fryer at 360ºF for 23 to 24 minutes. If the wings are larger, they may need a few more minutes at this temperature to cook through. The temperature can then be increased to 390ºF for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and browned.

Another source recommends cooking the wings at 400ºF for 10 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for another 8 to 12 minutes. The wings should be flipped again, the temperature increased to 390ºF, and cooked for an additional 6 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispiness.

It is important to ensure that the wings are not overlapping in the air fryer, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly and getting crispy. It is also recommended to pat the wings dry before cooking and to season them generously with salt to help achieve a crispy texture.

Overall, air fryer chicken wings are a quick and easy option that can be cooked from fresh or frozen and customized with various sauces and seasonings.

Sauces to serve with the wings

Yes, you can cook raw chicken wings in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken wings and take less time to cook.

• Buffalo sauce: A classic, buttery sauce with a tangy flavour.
• BBQ sauce: A sweet and sticky sauce, with a hint of smoke.
• Ranch dressing: A creamy, garlicky sauce with a hint of spice.
• Honey mustard: A combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard with butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and seasoning.
• Sriracha: A Thai hot sauce that can be blended with butter, lime zest, and cilantro for a fun variation on classic buffalo sauce.
• Lemon-pepper: A simple sauce that combines butter and lemon-pepper seasoning for a creamy and bright chicken wing.
• St. Louis BBQ sauce: A traditional barbecue sauce with hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup.
• Enchilada sauce: A Mexican-inspired sauce that is both sweet and spicy, made with brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin.
• Peruvian Green Sauce (or Aji Verde): A spicy and versatile condiment made with jalapeno, cilantro, and fresh lime juice, plus Greek yogurt to give it a creamy texture.
• Teriyaki sauce: A sticky and sweet sauce, often paired with pineapple slices.
• Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): A popular Indonesian condiment that can be used as a glaze, dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce.
• Blue cheese dressing: The perfect dip for fall-off-the-bone tender wings with a little heat.

The benefits of cooking chicken wings in an air fryer

Benefits of Cooking Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook chicken wings, offering several advantages over traditional cooking methods. Here are some of the key benefits:

Healthier Option

One of the main benefits of using an air fryer is that it provides a healthier way to prepare chicken wings. Unlike deep frying, which requires a significant amount of oil, air fryers use hot air to cook the food. This results in chicken wings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without the added calories and fat of traditional frying methods.

Reduced Cook Time

Air fryers are known for their speed and efficiency. Chicken wings cooked in an air fryer typically take less than 20 minutes to prepare, making them a quick and convenient option for busy individuals and families. The high temperature and rapid air circulation of the air fryer ensure that your wings cook evenly and efficiently.

Crispy Texture

Air fryers are renowned for producing exceptionally crispy chicken wings. The circulating hot air creates a golden brown and crispy exterior that is difficult to achieve through other cooking methods, such as oven baking. The key to achieving this crispness is ensuring that the chicken wings are thoroughly dried and seasoned before placing them in the air fryer.

Easy and Convenient

Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is a straightforward process that does not require any special skills or techniques. The wings can be seasoned with basic pantry spices and sauces of your choice, making them a versatile option for any taste preference. Additionally, air fryers often require less cleanup than traditional frying methods.

Versatile Cooking

Air fryers offer the convenience of cooking chicken wings from fresh or frozen, providing flexibility in meal planning. They also allow for multiple batches to be cooked simultaneously, making them ideal for larger gatherings or families. Additionally, air fryers can cook various other foods, from vegetables to frozen snacks, making them a versatile appliance in any kitchen.

Frequently asked questions