Air-Fried Chicken Wings: A Healthy, Guilt-Free Treat

Chicken wings are a popular snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers offer a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to frying chicken wings.

Air fryers use hot air to cook chicken wings, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The cooking time is minimal, and only a few simple ingredients are required. The wings can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, such as lemon pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce, and more.

The cooking process is straightforward. After seasoning the wings, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for the recommended time, flipping them halfway through. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature for the last few minutes of cooking.

Air fryer chicken wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken wings. They are easy to make and can be customised with various seasonings and sauces to suit different tastes.

How to make chicken wings in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Baking powder
• Your choice of sauce

Method:

• First, prep the chicken wings. Separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted.
• Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. This will help them get crispy.
• Place the wings into a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the wings.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes.
• Add the wings to the air fryer in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching.
• Air fry the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F.
• Flip the wings over and air fry for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your choice of sauce.

Tips:

You can use your favourite seasoning blend.

Sauce Ideas:

• Buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing

Tips for making chicken wings in an air fryer

Dry the wings

Before seasoning the chicken wings, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the skin becomes nice and crispy during the cooking process.

Use a single layer

When placing the wings in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer with a little room between them. This allows the air to circulate freely and ensures even cooking and crispiness. If your air fryer basket is not big enough, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches.

Toss and flip

For even cooking and crispiness, toss or shake the wings every few minutes during the cooking process. It is also a good idea to flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Increase the temperature

To get extra crispy skin on your chicken wings, increase the temperature of the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking. For example, you can cook the wings at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the majority of the cooking time, and then increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes.

Experiment with sauces and seasonings

While these tips will help you master the basic technique of making chicken wings in an air fryer, don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your favorite flavors. You can try tossing the cooked wings in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey garlic sauce, or even a dry rub. You can also add different seasonings to the wings during the cooking process, such as chipotle, sriracha, lemon pepper, or old bay.

How to store leftover chicken wings

If you have leftover chicken wings, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is important to store cooked chicken within two hours of cooking. If you want to store the chicken wings for longer, you can put them in the freezer.

To maintain the original flavour and texture of the chicken wings, you can use a vacuum sealer to seal the packaging before freezing. This will prevent freezer burn and allow you to store the chicken wings in the freezer for up to four months.

How to reheat leftover chicken wings

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also opt to spritz the basket with cooking spray.

Prepare the Wings

Take the wings out of the refrigerator and let them sit at 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, with some space between each wing to allow for even air circulation. You may need to reheat your wings in batches.

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 5-7 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 5-7 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 (74°C).

Tips

• Preheat the air fryer to create a hot environment that promotes even cooking and crispy exteriors while locking in moisture.
• Lightly brush leftover wings with a small amount of cooking oil or melted butter before placing them in the air fryer basket to seal in moisture and promote crispiness.
• Monitor cooking time and keep a close eye on the chicken wings as they reheat.
• Cover with foil if the chicken wings are browning too quickly to prevent excessive browning and drying out.
• Reheat sauced wings with a small air fryer pan or aluminium foil under the wings to help with cleanup.

Chicken wings sauce options

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some sauce options to consider:

Classic Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce is a popular choice for chicken wings and is characterised by its smooth, rich texture. It is made by enhancing hot sauce with butter and other ingredients, resulting in a milder, less spicy flavour compared to traditional hot sauce. The Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, is credited with creating the original Buffalo sauce, which typically includes ingredients such as hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy option that can be made with just six ingredients: honey, mustard, turmeric, spicy brown mustard, and lemon. This sauce adds a mild heat and a touch of sweetness to chicken wings, making it a crowd-pleasing option.

Spicy Apricot Glaze

For those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savoury flavours, a spicy apricot glaze can be a delicious choice. This sauce combines the sweetness of apricot with a hint of spice, resulting in juicy, sticky wings.

Lemon-Pepper Butter

Lemon-pepper butter is a simple yet flavourful sauce that combines butter with lemon-pepper seasoning, creating a creamy and bright flavour profile. For a more intense lemon flavour, grated lemon zest can be added to the butter mixture.

BBQ Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a classic option for chicken wings and can be easily customised to suit different tastes. A traditional barbecue sauce typically includes ingredients such as hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. For a unique twist, try adding a can of Dr Pepper to your barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavour.

Asian-Style Sauce

For an Asian-inspired flavour, a sticky sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger can be a delicious option. This sauce creates a caramelised exterior on the wings and can be paired with a side of rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a cool and creamy dipping sauce that pairs well with spicy chicken wings. It can be easily made at home by combining a variety of seasonings, including onion, fresh garlic, ground mustard, and dill. Fresh chives can also be added for a colourful touch.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is a garlicky, herb-based sauce that makes a great dip or marinade for chicken wings. It is tangy and vibrant, thanks to the addition of vinegar and lemon zest.

Sweet and Tangy Glaze

This sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavours. It is made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a slow cooker, resulting in a mouthwatering glaze that pairs perfectly with chicken wings.

Spicy Butterscotch Sauce

For a unique flavour combination, spicy butterscotch sauce blends the sweetness of butterscotch with the heat of Sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavours.

Frequently asked questions