Air-Frying Smoked Chicken Wings: The Perfect Sear?

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including smoking and air frying. But can you do both?

The answer is yes! Smoking chicken wings first and then finishing them in an air fryer is a popular method that combines the best of both cooking techniques. Smoking imparts a delicious, smoky flavour to the meat, while air frying crisps up the skin without the need for deep-frying in oil.

This two-step process is a great way to get juicy, tender meat on the inside with a crispy, golden brown skin on the outside. Many people also choose to season or sauce their wings, adding even more flavour to this tasty dish.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer vary depending on the model and brand of the air fryer. However, the general temperature and duration guidelines are as follows:

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit (193-204 degrees Celsius). This temperature range ensures that the wings cook through evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Duration

The cooking duration for chicken wings in an air fryer depends on the size of the wings and the desired level of crispness. On average, it takes 18-25 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer. This includes flipping the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

It is important to note that the cooking duration may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer and the size of the wings. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Additionally, for smoked chicken wings, it is recommended to smoke the wings at a lower temperature of around 220-225 degrees Fahrenheit (104-107 degrees Celsius) for about 1-2 hours before transferring them to the air fryer. This low and slow smoking process infuses the wings with a rich smoky flavor before finishing them off in the air fryer for a crispy texture.

Chicken wing preparation

Ingredients

To prepare chicken wings, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Your choice of sauce for tossing or dipping (e.g. buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce)

Optional Ingredients

• Chicken wing seasoning or dry rub (a blend of spices such as salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper)
• Meat Church Holy Gospel Rub
• Sweet Rub
• Cornstarch or baking powder

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF. If your air fryer doesn't reach this temperature, set it as close to 360ºF as possible.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings into a gallon-size Ziplock bag. Add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt to the bag. Seal the bag, keeping the air inside, and shake well to evenly coat the wings. Alternatively, you can season the chicken wings in a large bowl.

Step 3: Air Fry the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry the wings for 18 minutes at 360ºF, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Increase the temperature to 390ºF and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the wings are brown and crispy.

Step 4: Sauce the Wings (Optional)

If you prefer sauced wings, you can toss them in your favorite sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Keep in mind that saucing the wings will affect the crispiness of the skin.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your chicken wings are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer. Air circulation is essential for crispy wings, so you may need to cook them in batches.
• Be flexible with the cooking time, as wing sizes vary. Adjust the cooking time at 360ºF accordingly to ensure the wings are cooked through.
• Dunk the wings in the sauce instead of tossing them in a bowl to maintain crispiness.
• Pat the wings dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
• For extra crispy wings, add cornstarch or baking powder to the seasoning or dry rub.

Air fryer basket arrangement

When arranging your chicken wings in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are not overcrowded. The air needs to be able to circulate freely around each wing to crisp up the skin. If your air fryer basket is too small to fit all the wings in a single layer, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.

Arrange the wings so they are not touching, or only touching very slightly. If your air fryer has a wire basket, you may want to place a sheet of parchment paper on top to prevent grease from getting all over the air fryer. If you are using an oven with an air fryer setting, be aware that the wings may not get as crispy and may need to be cooked for longer.

If you are cooking frozen wings, they may stick together at the beginning, so be sure to shake the basket after a few minutes to separate them.

Chicken wing seasoning

Chicken wings are versatile and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning chicken wings:

Seasoning blends

A variety of seasoning blends can be used to flavour chicken wings. A basic blend of salt and pepper, or lemon pepper, is a simple option. For a sweeter option, a blend of brown sugar and BBQ flavour can be used. This can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made.

Other blends that can be used include:

• Meat Church Holy Gospel Rub
• Sweet paprika, brown sugar, onion flakes, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and mustard powder
• Smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder
• Paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper
• Flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper

Tips for seasoning

• Always start by tossing the chicken in a little olive oil, or butter, and then seasoning.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the seasoning stick and to help the wings crisp up.
• Ensure the chicken is fully coated with the seasoning blend. Add more spices if necessary.
• If you want your seasoning to really penetrate the chicken, leave the seasoned wings in the fridge for 30 minutes to overnight.
• If you're making a large batch, it's a good idea to make a double batch of seasoning to ensure you have enough.

Storing and reheating

• Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze wings by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat wings in an air fryer, if possible, or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken wing sauces

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, and sauces play a crucial role in enhancing their flavour. Here are some mouth-watering sauce options to consider for your chicken wings:

Buffalo Sauce:

This classic sauce is a must-have for chicken wings. It typically includes hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot), butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. The addition of butter gives it a richer, smoother texture than regular hot sauce. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference.

Honey-Mustard Sauce:

For a tangy and slightly spicy option, try a honey-mustard sauce. This sauce combines honey, turmeric, spicy brown mustard, and other seasonings to create a sweet and savoury flavour profile.

Spicy Butterscotch Sauce:

If you're feeling adventurous, try this unique sauce. It blends the sweetness of butterscotch with the heat of Sriracha and red pepper flakes. The bread crumb topping mixed with chili peppers adds an extra kick.

Maple Pepper Glaze:

This sauce offers a tantalising blend of sweet and spicy. It uses maple syrup for sweetness, balanced by pepper, garlic, and soy sauce for a savoury kick.

Homemade Ranch Dressing:

Why settle for store-bought ranch when you can make your own? This homemade version includes fresh ingredients like onion, garlic, ground mustard, dill, and chives, creating a flavourful dip for your wings.

Korean Wing Sauce:

If you're a fan of spice, Korean Wing Sauce is a perfect choice. It will give your wings an intense, savoury flavour.

Cholula Buffalo Sauce:

For those who enjoy the classic buffalo sauce, Cholula offers a delicious variation. It's a great option if you're looking for something with a bit more kick than traditional buffalo sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Glaze:

This sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It includes ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and other seasonings to create a mouthwatering flavour.

Honey-Barbecue Sauce:

This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of barbecue sauce. It's a perfect match for chicken wings, adding a sticky, finger-licking goodness.

Peanut Wing Sauce:

For a unique flavour profile, try this peanut wing sauce. It blends creamy peanut butter, curry powder, honey, and soy sauce, creating a fusion of flavours that will surprise your taste buds.

These sauce options will surely elevate your chicken wings and impress your guests. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions