Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Marinade Magic

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or a main course. They can be baked, grilled, or fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier option that produces crispy wings without the need for deep-frying. Air-fried chicken wings are also quicker to make than oven-baked wings, taking less than 30 minutes to cook.

To make chicken wings in an air fryer, you'll need to first marinate the wings in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and seasonings. You can also add honey for a sweet and spicy flavour. After marinating, place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 360-400°F (180-200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

The result is crispy, juicy, and tender chicken wings that can be served with a variety of sauces, such as barbecue, buffalo, or blue cheese dressing. So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy way to make chicken wings, give the air fryer method a try!

Marinade ingredients and prep

Marinating chicken wings is a crucial step in infusing them with flavour. The longer you leave the chicken to marinate, the more intense the flavour will be. However, do not exceed 24 hours, as the meat will start to break down. Here is a list of ingredients and steps for preparing a marinade for chicken wings in an air fryer:

Ingredients

• Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are all good options.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar with lemon juice are all possible choices.
• Sauce: Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce. If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, paleo, and whole30 compliant, opt for coconut aminos.
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add paprika, cayenne pepper, or other spices if you like it hot.

Prep

• Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl until well blended.
• Prepare the chicken wings by splitting them into flats and drumettes. You can trim and discard the wing tips, or save them for your next chicken broth.
• Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
• Cover or seal the container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer you leave it, the more intense the flavour will be.
• Before cooking, take the wings out of the fridge about 15 minutes beforehand to bring them to room temperature.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken wings, as they give a crispier texture than an oven and are healthier than deep frying. The high speed and temperature of the air in the air fryer create a very crisp skin that is hard to replicate in an oven.

The temperature and timing of the air fryer will depend on the size of your wings and the number of wings you are cooking. It is recommended to cook wings in a single layer, with space between them to allow air to circulate freely. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to do so in two batches.

Wings should be cooked at 400°F for 10 minutes, and then the temperature should be increased to 400°F for another 8-12 minutes until they are crispy. The total cooking time is around 20 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size of your wings.

If you are using an oven air fryer, the cooking time may be longer. You can also cook wings in the oven at 425°F for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Pat the wings dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Increase the temperature of the wings during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Use a thermometer probe to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches at least 165°F.
• Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your marinated chicken wings will depend on the size of your wings and the type of air fryer you are using. As a general rule, you should aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the chicken is cooked safely.

Most recipes recommend cooking your marinated chicken wings in the air fryer for around 20-25 minutes. This may vary depending on the size of your wings and the model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to around 360°F (180°C). This temperature will ensure that the outside of your chicken wings gets golden-brown and crispy while the inside is thoroughly cooked.

When placing the wings in the air fryer, make sure that they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and ensure that all the wings cook properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to flip the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. This will help you achieve that perfect, golden-brown crispiness on all sides of the wings.

To check if your marinated chicken wings are done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The wings should be at least 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. If they are not quite there yet, you can continue cooking them in the air fryer in small increments until they reach the desired temperature.

Once your chicken wings have reached the desired internal temperature, it is important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the wings even more flavorful. Simply cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before digging in.

By following these cooking time and temperature guidelines, you'll be able to achieve delicious, crispy, and safely cooked marinated chicken wings using your air fryer.

Resting the wings

After the wings have rested, you can serve them with your favourite sauces like barbecue, buffalo, or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, or offer up some spicy buffalo sauce for a kick.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispness.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have any leftover marinated chicken wings, you can store them in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to four days when stored properly.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is the best option as it will help you achieve that crispy exterior and juicy interior. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F, spritz the wings with cooking spray, and place them in the basket, leaving a little space for the hot air to circulate. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you're in a pinch, you can also use the oven, skillet, or microwave to reheat your wings, but they may not turn out as crispy. When reheating in the oven, arrange the wings in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake for five to six minutes on each side. For the skillet method, heat two tablespoons of oil in a large skillet and add the wings, heating for two to three minutes. And if you're using the microwave, place the wings on a plate with a damp paper towel and microwave for two to three minutes.

It's important to note that you should only reheat the chicken wings once, and they should be consumed in one sitting after reheating.

Frequently asked questions