Frying Chicken Wings: Air Fryer Magic

Chicken wings are a beloved snack and meal, but frying them can be time-consuming and messy. Air fryers provide a shortcut to making juicy, tender wings with a crisp exterior.

Air-fried wings are healthier than deep-fried wings and take a fraction of the time to cook. They are also easier to prepare than oven-baked wings, which can take over an hour and often fail to achieve the same level of crispiness.

Air-fried wings can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from a simple salt and pepper seasoning to more complex rubs and sauces. The high temperature and circulating hot air of the air fryer ensure that the wings come out perfectly crispy every time.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty snack for game day, air-fried chicken wings are a great option!

How to cut chicken wings

Yes, you can fry chicken wings in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how to cut chicken wings:

First, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Place the chicken wing on the cutting board and identify the three parts of the wing: the wing tip (also called the flapper), the middle part, which is the wingette (or flap), and the meatiest part, the drum or drumette.

To make the first cut, stretch out the wing and flip it over so that the inside portion is facing up. This makes it easier to see the joints. Cut through the high ridge or joint between the wing tip and the wingette. Set the wing tip aside—you can use it later for making stock.

For the second cut, place the knife at the high ridge on the joint between the wingette and the drumette. Push your knife through. If you meet resistance, wiggle the knife a little until you feel less resistance, then push the knife down.

You should now have three portions: the wing tip, the wingette, and the drumette. You can now season and cook your chicken wings in the air fryer.

How to make crispy air fryer wings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats) (defrosted if frozen)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

• Prep the chicken wings. If full wings, separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted. Pat them dry completely (this will help them get crispy).
• Place the wings into a bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to completely coat the wings.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
• Add the wings to the air fryer in a single layer (they should not be touching) and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F.
• After the timer goes off, open the air fryer and carefully flip over the chicken wings.
• Cook for 8 more minutes.
• Remove the chicken wings and serve.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures that air can flow through and crisp up the skin.
• Check the internal temperature. Crispy chicken wings are usually a sign that they are done, but the best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. Confirm that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe for air fryer chicken wings. However, you may need to cook the wings in two batches to ensure they aren't crowded in the air fryer basket. This will allow for proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving crispy wings.

When doubling the recipe, it is important to maintain the correct ratio of ingredients to ensure the flavour and texture of the wings remain consistent. Additionally, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, depending on the size of the wings and the capacity of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the wings during the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.

To ensure even cooking and maximise the crispiness of the wings, it is recommended to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is large enough, you may be able to cook all the wings in one batch. However, if they do not all fit comfortably, it is best to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Another option to consider when doubling the recipe is to invest in an air fryer rack. This accessory can easily fit into any air fryer and allows you to cook multiple layers of food simultaneously. Not only does it increase your cooking space, but it also improves heat circulation, resulting in tastier and crispier wings.

In summary, doubling the recipe for air fryer chicken wings is definitely feasible, but you may need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Maintaining proper ingredient ratios and adjusting cooking times as needed will ensure delicious results. Additionally, the use of an air fryer rack can further enhance your cooking experience and maximise the crispiness of your wings.

Can I bake these in a traditional oven?

Yes, you can bake chicken wings in a traditional oven. This method is healthier than deep frying and produces a crispy texture. The ideal oven temperature for crispy baked wings is 425°F.

Preparation:

Firstly, ensure you dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy coating. Blot away any moisture, pressing firmly on the wings.

Seasoning:

Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper or create a more complex dry spice rub. For a dry spice rub, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning over the wings, tossing to coat them evenly.

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 375-425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer, skin-side up, on the prepared wire rack.

Bake the wings, turning them every 20 minutes, until they are crispy and browned. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the wings but may take up to an hour.

Sauce:

Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before tossing them in your desired sauce. You can make a simple buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, sugar, and water, or try something different like honey BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey garlic sauce.

Tips for Crispy Wings:

• Dry the wings well. Blot away moisture and press firmly on the wings to ensure they are as dry as possible.
• Use baking powder. It helps the wings brown nicely and creates a crispy coating.
• Preheat your oven to the correct temperature. 425°F is ideal for achieving that crispy, fried texture.

Baking chicken wings in the oven is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and with the right techniques, you can still enjoy crispy and delicious wings!

What to serve with air-fried chicken wings

Air-fried chicken wings are best served with dips and sauces on the side. Here are some of the best dips and sauces to serve with air-fried chicken wings:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Buffalo wing sauce
• Honey Sriracha
• BBQ sauce
• Hot sauce
• Cilantro lime dip
• Chunky blue cheese
• Homemade buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Lemon pepper sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Gochujang sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Korean fried sauce
• Sweet chilli sauce
• Hot honey sauce
• Thai sweet chilli sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Hot sauce
• Blue cheese dressing

You can also serve them with some side dishes, such as:

• French fries
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Sweet potato fries
• Celery and carrots

Frequently asked questions