Air Fryer Wings: Can You Fit A Full Basket?

Air fryers have gained popularity as a quick and easy way to cook chicken wings, yielding crispy and juicy results. While cooking times and temperatures vary across recipes, the general method involves coating the wings in oil and seasonings, arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cooking at temperatures between 360–400 °F for 16–24 minutes. The wings are flipped or shaken periodically to ensure even cooking, and some recipes call for a final cook at a higher temperature to achieve an extra crispy texture. While it may be tempting to fill the basket to capacity, it is important not to overcrowd the wings to allow for proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that coveted crispiness.

Can you cook a full basket of wings in an air fryer?

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the wings. It is recommended to pat the chicken wings dry before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they get crispy. The wings should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with enough space between them to allow air to circulate freely.

Some recipes suggest cooking the wings at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking them for another 8–12 minutes at the same temperature until they are crispy and golden brown. This process may take longer if the wings are larger.

Other recipes suggest cooking the wings at 360°F (182°C) for 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 390°F (199°C) and cooking for another 5–6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the wings are crispy and golden brown. This method is suitable for two pounds of chicken wings.

It is also possible to cook chicken wings in an air fryer at a consistent temperature. One recipe suggests cooking the wings at 380°F (193°C) for a total of 16–18 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

To ensure doneness, it is recommended to use a thermometer probe to check that the internal temperature of the chicken wings reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Chicken wing preparation

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin, ensure your air fryer and basket are clean. Any residue left in the basket from previous cooking will burn and affect the taste of your chicken wings. It is also important to ensure there is a tray to catch any drippings underneath the basket.

Step 2: Chicken Wings

You can buy chicken wings that are already split into drumettes and wingettes, or you can buy whole chicken wings, which are a little less expensive, and break them down yourself. If you are using frozen wings, it is recommended to thaw them during the day and place them in a colander with a bowl underneath to drain overnight in the fridge.

Step 3: Seasoning

Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel and place them in a mixing bowl. You can then add your choice of seasoning. A simple seasoning mix could include olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 4: Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the wings in the basket of the preheated air fryer. The wings can be touching but not overlapping, and you may need to cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding. If you need to fit more wings in the basket, you can line up the drumettes standing upright along the sides.

Step 5: Cooking

Air fry the wings for 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, or until the chicken wings are golden brown. Increase the heat to 390ºF and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the wings are brown and crispy.

Step 6: Sauce

While the wings are cooking, you can prepare your sauce. A simple sauce can be made by melting butter in a bowl and stirring in hot sauce. When the wings are done, toss them in the sauce to coat.

Step 7: Serving

Air fryer chicken wings are best enjoyed as soon as they are cooked. They can be served with carrots and celery sticks, and your choice of dipping sauces.

Step 8: Storage

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to 4 days and can be reheated in an air fryer at 360°F for 4 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

Chicken wing seasoning

Chicken wings can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. Here are some ideas for chicken wing seasoning:

Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon pepper wings are a popular choice, with a zesty and tangy flavour. Combine lemon pepper with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a simple yet delicious seasoning.

Garlic and Lemon Pepper Wings

For a more intense flavour, add garlic salt to the lemon pepper and salt mixture. This combination will give your wings a salty, garlicky kick.

Spicy Wings

For those who like their wings hot, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot smoked paprika to the seasoning blend. You can also use a dry ranch mix for a different flavour profile.

Herb and Spice Wings

Get creative with herbs and spices like thyme, cumin, and sumac. For a unique twist, try Szechuan peppercorns with cayenne pepper, cumin, and salt.

Classic Wings

For a traditional flavour, stick to a simple blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add paprika for a slightly smoky taste.

BBQ Wings

If you're in the mood for some finger-licking BBQ wings, add some brown sugar to your seasoning blend. This will give the wings a sweet and sticky coating that's perfect for summer days.

When seasoning chicken wings, it's important to ensure that the wings are dry before applying the seasoning. This will help the skin to puff up and blister during cooking, resulting in a crispy texture. You can also use baking powder to help achieve that desired crispiness.

Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations!

Chicken wing sauce

You can cook a full basket of wings in an air fryer, but it's important to arrange them in a single layer with space between them to allow air to circulate. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Now, for the sauce!

Buffalo Sauce

The original buffalo wing sauce was made popular by the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. It consists of a blend of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. The sauce is much richer and smoother than regular hot sauce. You can make it by combining 1/3 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot, and adding in extra ingredients like vinegar and cayenne pepper to taste.

Alabama White Sauce

This sauce is a well-kept secret of Birmingham, Alabama, and is said to be a game-changer for wings. It is a creamy, tangy sauce that is often used as a replacement for horseradish and can be paired with almost anything.

Sweet, Spicy, and Sticky Sauce

This sauce is a delicious combination of sweet and spicy, with only three ingredients required: butter, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Melt the butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then add your hot sauce of choice. This sauce also works well as a dipping sauce for appetizers like pizza.

Whiskey Sauce

Whiskey adds a unique bite and sweetness to your typical hot sauce. Combine whiskey with a smaller amount of butter, along with your favorite hot sauce, for a thin sauce with a magical flavor.

Gochujang Glaze

For a Korean-inspired wing, a Gochujang glaze is a perfect choice. This sauce is sticky, sweet, and spicy, and can be made in large batches to always have on hand.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

For a simple and tasty wing, a lemon pepper seasoning is a great option. Pat your wings dry, coat them in olive oil, and then sprinkle on lemon pepper seasoning. Air fry as normal, and you'll have juicy, crispy wings with a zesty flavor.

Chicken wing storage

You can cook a full basket of wings in an air fryer, but it's important to note that the wings should be arranged in a single layer with space between them to allow air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Now, for the storage aspect of the topic:

When storing chicken wings, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent spoilage and ensure the wings remain fresh and safe to consume. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store chicken wings:

• Refrigerator Storage: Chicken wings should be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within a few days. Place the wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent moisture loss and odour absorption from other foods. Fresh, raw chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezer Storage: If you want to store chicken wings for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place the wings in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date and try to consume them within 3 to 4 months for the best quality. Frozen chicken wings can be safely stored for up to 6 months, but they may start to lose flavour and texture after that.
• Thawing Frozen Wings: When you're ready to cook frozen chicken wings, it's best to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator. Place the frozen wings in a bowl or container to catch any drippings and allow them to thaw overnight. You can also thaw the wings by running cold water over the sealed package in a sink or placing them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
• Leftover Cooked Wings: If you have cooked chicken wings as leftovers, they should be stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly to prevent drying out. Consume the leftover wings within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and food safety.
• Food Safety: Always follow basic food safety practices when handling and storing chicken wings. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken. Use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure your refrigerator and freezer are maintained at the correct temperatures to keep food safe.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your chicken wings remain fresh, safe to consume, and delicious when cooked!

Frequently asked questions