Flouring Chicken Wings For The Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

Chicken wings are a popular snack, perfect for a game day or a family dinner. They can be made in an air fryer with a variety of seasonings and coatings, including flour. Flouring chicken wings before air frying can help create a crispy, crunchy texture. The basic method involves coating the wings in a mixture of flour and seasonings, then placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooking at a high temperature, such as 400°F, for around 20 minutes.

How to flour chicken wings for the air fryer

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The ingredients listed here are for a serving of four people.

• 1 pound of chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly crushed peppercorn

Optional ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon of arrowroot starch

Method

Now that you have your ingredients, it is time to start preparing your chicken wings.

• Place your chicken wings in a large bowl.
• Pour in the oil and toss the wings to ensure they are well coated.
• In a separate bowl, add the dry ingredients and whisk until they are combined.
• One by one, place the oiled wings in the dry mixture and coat them with the breading.
• Place each wing into the air fryer basket.
• Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, and that the breading is brown and crunchy before serving.

Tips

• It is best to cook your chicken wings in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer basket is not big enough, cook the wings in two batches.
• You can reheat any leftover wings in the air fryer. Cook them at 360°F for 4 minutes, then turn the heat up to 400°F and cook for a further 5 minutes.
• You can make these chicken wings into hot wings by tossing them in your favourite hot sauce after removing them from the air fryer.

The best flour for chicken wings in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken wings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without the mess and smell of deep-frying. You can use a variety of flours to bread chicken wings for the air fryer, including all-purpose flour, rice flour, tapioca flour, cornstarch, and potato starch. Here's what you need to know to get the best results:

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for breading chicken wings. It creates a crispy texture and a delicious flavour when combined with herbs and spices. To use it, simply combine the flour with your desired seasonings, toss the wings in the mixture, and then place them in the air fryer.

Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, and Cornstarch

These alternative flours can also be used to bread chicken wings for the air fryer. They tend to create an especially crispy texture, which some people prefer. You can use them in the same way as all-purpose flour, mixing them with seasonings to create a tasty breading.

Potato Starch

Potato starch is another option that can give your chicken wings a deliciously crispy texture. It's easy to use and can be found in most grocery stores. Simply mix it with your favourite seasonings and coat your chicken wings before placing them in the air fryer.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your chicken wings are dry before coating them in flour. Pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
• For even cooking and optimal crispiness, place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and flip them halfway through the cooking time.
• Don't stack the wings in the air fryer, as this can affect the crispiness of the breading. Cook them in batches if needed.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder are popular choices.
• You can also try adding a pinch of baking soda to your flour mixture. This can help create an even crispier texture by absorbing more of the fat that drips from the wings during cooking. However, use it sparingly to avoid a chemical aftertaste.

How long to cook chicken wings in the air fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken wings or those cooked in an oven. They are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

The cooking time depends on the number of wings and the size of the air fryer. On average, chicken wings take between 18 to 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The temperature should be set between 380F and 400F.

Steps to cook chicken wings in an air fryer:

• Pat the chicken wings dry.
• Marinate the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400F and cook for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve with your favourite dips and sauces!

Tips for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer:

• Pat the chicken wings dry before marinating to remove excess moisture and help them get crispy.
• Line up the chicken wings upright along the sides of the air fryer to fit more in at once without overcrowding the basket.
• Increase the temperature of the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking to make the wings crispier.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed.

How to get crispy chicken wings in the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken wings
• Oil (vegetable, olive, or avocado)
• Flour (all-purpose, light, or arrowroot starch)
• Baking powder (optional)
• Spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

• Start by drying the chicken wings with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it will help the wings get crispy.
• Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and add your chosen oil. Toss the wings to coat them evenly.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder (if using), and any desired spices. Whisk until well combined.
• One by one, place the oiled wings into the dry mixture and coat them with the breading.
• Place the breaded wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings for 20-24 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. The breading should be golden brown and crunchy.
• Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• For even crispier wings, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the flour mixture. However, some people find that it leaves a chemical aftertaste.
• You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as potato starch or cornstarch, for a crispier texture.
• Don't stack the chicken wings in the air fryer. Cook them in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If using frozen wings, add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time. There is no need to thaw them first.

How to reheat chicken wings in the air fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F to 360°F. Preheating the air fryer will ensure that it is hot enough to crisp up the chicken wings quickly. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.

Prepare the Wings

Take the leftover wings out of the fridge and let them sit for about 15 minutes to reach room temperature. You can add extra salt or pepper at this point, for fresh seasoning and taste.

Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray, leaving a little space between each wing to allow for even air circulation.

Lightly Coat with Oil (Optional)

For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the chicken wings with a small amount of cooking oil using a brush or spray bottle.

Reheat the Wings

Place the basket or tray with the chicken wings into the preheated air fryer. Reheat for about 5-6 minutes initially.

Shake or Flip the Wings

After the initial cooking time, carefully shake the basket or flip the wings using tongs to ensure even cooking. This step helps crisp up all sides of the wings.

Continue Cooking

Continue cooking the chicken wings for an additional 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Check for Doneness

Check their internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Tips

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating helps create a hot environment that promotes even cooking and crispy exteriors while locking in moisture.
• Add moisture or oil: Lightly brush the leftover wings with a small amount of cooking oil or melted butter before placing them in the air fryer basket. This thin layer of oil helps seal in moisture and promotes crispiness.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the chicken wings as they reheat in the air fryer.
• Cover with foil: If the chicken wings are browning too quickly on the outside before they are heated through, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of the reheating process. This helps prevent excessive browning and drying out in the hot air.

Frequently asked questions