Air Fryer Crispy Wings: Achieving Perfection

Chicken wings are a classic appetizer and a game-day favourite. They can be cooked in an air fryer to make them crispy and juicy without the need for deep-frying. The air fryer also makes it a healthier option as it requires little to no oil.

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer is around 20-30 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the size of the wings. It is recommended to cook them at a lower temperature first and then increase the temperature to get the perfect crispiness.

There are many ways to season chicken wings, from dry rubs to tossing them in sauces like BBQ, buffalo, or lemon pepper. The options are endless!

How to make crispy wings in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Baking powder
• Your choice of sauce (BBQ, buffalo, ranch, etc.)

Method:

• Prep the chicken wings: Separate the wings into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted and pat them dry.
• Season the wings: Place the wings in a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the wings.
• Serve: Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite sauce or seasoning.

Tips for crispy wings:

• Make sure the wings are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The wings should be in a single layer with space between them to allow for even cooking and crisping.
• Flip or toss the wings regularly during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking.

The best air fryer to use

There are a few different air fryers that are recommended for making crispy chicken wings. The Cosori Air Fryer is a popular choice and is used by many people to make their wings. The PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer is another option that has been said to work well for this purpose. Additionally, the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven is a good choice if you're looking for something with more capacity. Finally, the COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT is a great option if you want something that can cook a large batch of wings at once.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is an important part of food preparation, ensuring that food is consumed safely and retains its flavour and texture. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat leftover crispy wings:

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored properly to maintain food safety and quality. Here are some essential tips for storing leftover crispy wings:

• Use airtight containers: Place the leftover wings in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents the wings from drying out and absorbs unwanted odours from the refrigerator.
• Maintain optimal temperature: Keep the refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C). Bacteria growth can occur if the temperature rises above this level, so ensure your refrigerator is sufficiently cold.

Reheating Leftovers

When reheating leftover crispy wings, it is best to avoid the microwave, as it may leave the wings soggy. Instead, use an oven or air fryer for optimal results. Here are detailed instructions for each method:

• Oven Reheating:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Remove the desired number of wings from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
• Arrange the wings on the baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them. Lightly spritz or brush the wings with water.
• Place the wings in the oven and reheat for 5-6 minutes. Then, flip them over and continue heating for another 5-6 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Serve the wings with your preferred sides and sauces.
• Air Fryer Reheating:
• Set the air fryer to 375°F-400°F (191°C-204°C).
• Place the desired number of wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Reheat the wings for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• If the wings were pre-sauced and seem dry after reheating, add more sauce by tossing the wings and sauce together in a bowl.

Sides and Sauces

Don't forget to reheat any leftover sides and sauces to complete your meal! Here are some tips:

• For waffle fries, tots, or similar sides, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) or the air fryer to 325°F-350°F (163°C-177°C). Place them on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, lightly coated with olive oil, and heat for about 7 minutes, or 2-5 minutes in the air fryer.
• For mac and cheese, add a tablespoon of milk to the leftovers and microwave on medium power for about one minute.

Sauces to serve with crispy wings

There are many sauces that can be served with crispy wings, here are some options:

• Blue Cheese Dressing
• Ranch Dressing
• Honey Mustard
• Barbecue Sauce
• Teriyaki Sauce
• Sriracha Mayo
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Soy-Ginger Glaze
• Buffalo Sauce
• Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Hibachi Mustard Sauce
• Southern Coleslaw
• Cajun Dipping Sauce
• Cilantro Lime Dip
• Chunky Blue Cheese
• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Raising Cane's Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing
• BBQ Sauce
• Raising Cane's Sauce
• Honey BBQ Sauce
• Franks Buffalo Sauce
• Lemon Pepper Sauce
• Honey Garlic Sauce
• Honey Mustard Sauce

How to cut chicken wings

Chicken wings are usually sold whole, but cutting them up makes them easier to eat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut chicken wings:

Step 1: Identify the Three Parts of the Wing

• Wing tip (also called the flapper)
• Middle part (wingette or flap)
• Meatiest part (drum or drumette)

Step 2: Stretch Out the Wing

• Pick up the drumette end of the wing.
• Hold the wing to form a "V", stretching the joint open and making it easier to cut.

Step 3: Make the First Cut

• Cut vertically through the joint between the wing tip and the wingette.
• Set the wing tip aside – it is typically not used in recipes and can be saved for making stock.

Step 4: Make the Second Cut

• Place your knife at the high ridge on the joint between the drumette and the wingette.
• Push your knife through – if there is resistance, wiggle the knife a little and push down when you feel less resistance.

And that's it! You now have three portions that are ready for your favourite recipe.

Frequently asked questions