Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Sauce Before Or After?

Chicken wings are a popular snack, appetizer, or meal, and can be made in an air fryer with sauce. The wings can be seasoned with a dry rub or sauce, and tossed in the sauce after cooking for the crispiest skin. The wings are cooked at a lower temperature first, and then the temperature is increased to make them crispy. This method ensures juicy wings with a crispy skin.

Should you sauce chicken wings before or after air frying?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook chicken wings, giving them a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. But when it comes to adding sauce, the question arises: should you sauce your wings before or after air frying?

Some people prefer to add sauce before air frying, as it can help the wings get a nice char and a deeper flavour. However, the majority of sources recommend adding sauce after air frying. This is because saucing after air frying helps to avoid burning the sauce, keeps your air fryer cleaner, and ensures that the wings have a crispier texture.

If you choose to sauce your wings after air frying, simply toss them in a bowl with your desired amount of sauce and coat them evenly. You can also return the sauced wings to the air fryer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to caramelise.

Tips for the crispiest wings:

• Use an air fryer with a bigger basket to cook more wings at once.
• Dry the wings with paper towels before adding oil and seasoning to help them get crispier.
• Use a rack to elevate the wings in the air fryer, allowing more wings to fit and ensuring even cooking.
• Cook wings in a single layer if possible. If not, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Start wings at a lower temperature and increase it towards the end for extra crispiness.
• Shake the basket during cooking to help the wings brown evenly.
• If you desire an extra crisp, increase the air fryer temperature by 20 degrees for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Suggested sauces and seasonings:

• Buffalo sauce: a classic choice for chicken wings, you can buy it or make your own by combining melted butter and hot sauce.
• BBQ sauce: a sweet and savoury option that's perfect for those who like a tangier wing.
• Garlic Parmesan wing sauce: a creamy and flavourful option that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Lemon pepper seasoning: for a zesty and refreshing twist on traditional wings.
• Teriyaki sauce: a salty-sweet option that's sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Reheating and storing tips:

• Reheat wings in the air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• Freeze cooked wings by letting them cool, then freezing on a baking sheet for 2-3 hours before transferring to a freezer bag or container. Frozen wings will keep for up to 3 months.

So, the next time you're craving chicken wings, break out that air fryer and remember to sauce them after cooking for the crispiest, most delicious results!

How long do you air fry chicken wings?

Chicken wings are a classic appetizer and a great meal option. They are delicious, easy to make, and can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. Here is a detailed, direct, and instructive guide on how long to air fry chicken wings.

Preparation

Before air frying chicken wings, it is important to prepare them properly. Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy. You can also use a dry rub or season the wings with your preferred spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for chicken wings in the air fryer typically ranges from 24 to 30 minutes. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space for air to circulate.
• Cook the wings for 24 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 5 to 15 minutes, or until the desired crispness is achieved. Keep an eye on the wings and check for doneness after 5 minutes.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer when they are crisped to your liking.

Tips for Crispier Wings

• Dry the wings thoroughly before adding oil and seasoning.
• Use a single layer of wings in the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation.
• Start cooking the wings at a lower temperature and then increase the heat towards the end to get them extra crispy.
• Shake the air fryer basket periodically during cooking to help the wings brown evenly.
• If your air fryer doesn't reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit, cook the wings at the highest temperature setting for the last few minutes to crisp them up.

Frozen Wings

You can also cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. Simply place the frozen wings in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to help them thaw. Then, increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and follow the cooking instructions above.

Reheating and Storage

To reheat chicken wings, place them in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Can you cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer! It's super easy and convenient, and you don't even need to defrost the wings first. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Chicken Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While it's heating up, you can prepare your chicken wings. If they're frozen together in a clump, you might need to thaw them slightly (about 30 seconds in the microwave) so you can separate them. Pat the wings dry with paper towels—this will help them get crispier. You can also season the wings with a dry rub of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded. If you have too many wings, cook them in batches. For pre-cooked frozen wings, cook them for 11-14 minutes. For uncooked frozen wings, cook for 16-19 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F when they're done.

Step 3: Sauce and Serve

Once the wings are cooked, you can toss them in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or blue cheese. You can also serve them as-is with a side of celery or carrot sticks and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• If your wings are breaded or sauced, they might take a bit longer to cook and may not get as crispy.
• You can also cook frozen breaded chicken wings, but the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and your air fryer. Follow the package instructions as a guide.
• Always ensure your chicken wings are fully cooked before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can chicken drumsticks be used instead of wings?

Yes, chicken drumsticks can be cooked in an air fryer, but they are a different cut of meat and will take longer to cook than wings. Chicken wings are typically done in 30-40 minutes, whereas drumsticks will take at least 15-20 minutes, and often longer.

Chicken wings and drumsticks are both dark meat, but wings are the upper part of the leg, while drumsticks are the lower part, without the thigh.

When preparing drumsticks in an air fryer, it's important to note that they should not be overcrowded in the basket, as this will affect how evenly they cook. It's best to cook them in a single layer, without overlapping or stacking, and you may need to do multiple batches.

Additionally, for extra crispy skin, it's recommended to cook the drumsticks in contact with the hot air fryer basket, rather than standing them up.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
• In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry, then toss them in the spice mix and drizzle with oil.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes.
• Flip the drumsticks and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, or until cooked and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

How do you store and reheat leftover air fryer wings?

Air fryer chicken wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. But what do you do with the leftovers? Here's a guide on how to store and reheat them so you can enjoy them again!

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Wings:

• Place the leftover wings in an airtight container or a zippered plastic bag.
• Store them in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.

Reheating Air Fryer Wings in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the wings in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
• Reheat for 2-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through and crispy.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Reheating Sauced Wings:

• Use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to prevent the sauce from dripping and making a mess.
• Reheat for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Tips for the Best Results:

• Reheat only the amount of wings you plan to consume to avoid overcooking.
• Don't stack or overlap the wings for even heating.
• You can add seasonings or a light spray of oil for extra flavour and crispness.
• Parchment paper can be placed in the basket for easier cleanup.
• A meat thermometer is useful to ensure the wings are thoroughly reheated.

Now you can enjoy your leftover air fryer wings, crispy and delicious, just like the first time!

Frequently asked questions