Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Can You Make Them?

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but they can be time-consuming to make and often require deep frying, which isn't the healthiest option. Air fryers provide a quick and easy way to make chicken wings that are just as crispy and juicy as deep-fried wings but with less oil and fat.

Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings and only take a few minutes to prepare and cook. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the skin super crispy, which is hard to achieve in a conventional oven, while keeping the centre tender and juicy.

There are many different ways to season and cook air fryer chicken wings, with various recipes available online. Some recipes include a baking powder coating, while others suggest specific store-bought seasonings. Most recipes agree that it is important to dry the wings before cooking and not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthier way to make chicken wings, get out your air fryer and give it a go!

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats) (defrosted if frozen)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Method:

• Prep the chicken wings. If they are 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 wings in a single layer to the air fryer (they should not be touching), and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F.
• After the timer goes off, open 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 a paper towel to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Air needs to circulate around each wing to make them crispy, so cook in batches if necessary.
• For a simple seasoning option, use lemon pepper seasoning and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Air Fryer Wings Cooking Time

Air fryer chicken wings are super crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, and quick and easy to make. They cook faster than the oven and require no oil, making them faster and less messy than baked or fried wings!

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken wings vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the wings. However, on average, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer at a temperature of 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the prepared chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Cook the wings for 10 to 12 minutes at the initial temperature.
• Flip the wings and continue cooking for another 8 to 12 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and cooked through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, it is recommended to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Pat the wings dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture, as this will help them crisp up.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake or flip the wings periodically during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. Chicken wings are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Wings Crispy Skin Tips

Dry the wings

Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry before getting started. This is important so they get crispy. You want to remove any excess moisture from the wings to help them crisp up.

Use baking powder

Baking powder is what helps make crispy skin. It reacts with the chicken skin by raising its pH level and creates tiny air bubbles, which also help form a crispy coating.

Single layer

Keep the wings in a single layer with a little room between them so they cook evenly and the skin can get crispy. Air fryers make foods crispy by circulating air around them, so if there’s no room for air to circulate, the wings won’t crisp up.

Toss the wings

Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes for even cooking and crispiness.

Increase the temperature

The last few minutes of cooking time is what gives you that extra juicy chicken with crispy skin. Cooking the wings at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the main cook time, and then increasing to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last couple of minutes is the trick to juicy, crispy wings!

Best Air Fryer for Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, appetizer, or meal, and they can be made in an air fryer! Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they are also faster than baking. The air fryer's speed and temperature create a very crisp skin that cannot be achieved in an oven.

Best Air Fryers for Chicken Wings

• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, 6 Quart: This air fryer has a 6-quart capacity and is a 6-in-1, including broil, roast, dehydrate, and bake functions. It also has a non-stick and dishwasher-safe basket and is made of stainless steel.
• COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT: This air fryer has a large 5.8-quart capacity and is an oilless cooker with eight quick setting recommendations.
• PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer: This air fryer is loved by Allyson Gallagher from DomesticSuperHero.com, who has a lot of experience with air fryers and chicken wings.
• Instant Vortex 6-quart XL Air Fryer: This air fryer has a large capacity of 6 quarts and can do more than just air fry; it also roasts and reheats. It is available for around $120.
• Philips Premium Airfryer XXL: This air fryer has an even larger capacity of 7 quarts and costs around $250.
• Ninja Foodi: This air fryer/pressure cooker combo was mentioned by a user who said they cooked their wings to perfection.

Tips for Making Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

• Pat the chicken wings dry before marinating them to remove excess moisture and help them get crispy.
• Line up the chicken wings standing upright along the sides of the air fryer to fit more in at once without affecting how they cook.
• Increase the temperature of the chicken wings during the last few minutes of cooking to make them crispier.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in two batches if necessary.
• Don't overlap the wings. Air fryers need room to circulate air to make the wings crispy.
• Be flexible with the cooking time, as wing sizes vary.
• For the crispiest skin, dunk the wings in sauce instead of tossing them in a bowl.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Storage and Reheating

Storing and reheating your air-fried chicken wings is easy!

Storing Chicken Wings

If you have leftover chicken wings, the best place to store them is in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a regular freezer or up to 1 year in a deep freezer. Just make sure you let the wings thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before trying to reheat them.

Reheating Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer is a great way to restore their crispy texture and flavor. The recommended temperature for reheating chicken wings is 350°F (175°C to 180°C) for around 5-10 minutes. Here are the steps to reheat your wings:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C to 180°C).
• Place the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Reheat the wings for the recommended time, flipping them halfway through for even heating.
• Check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer. They are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you prefer your wings extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even heating.
• Use a cooking spray or lightly brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Shake or flip the wings halfway through for even heating.
• Monitor the wings closely to avoid overcooking.
• Always ensure the wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Alternative Methods of Reheating

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat chicken wings in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes. You can broil them for an extra 2-3 minutes for crispiness.
• Microwave: Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per wing, rotating and flipping halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the wings and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently asked questions