Air-Fryer Bbq Wings: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

BBQ chicken wings are a beloved appetizer, perfect for game day, family dinners, or a night in with friends. They are also a great option for a quick weeknight meal. Making chicken wings in an air fryer reduces the cooking time, makes less mess, and ensures a perfectly crispy wing every time. You can also make them in an oven or a traditional fryer.

How long to cook BBQ wings in an air fryer

Cooking BBQ wings in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to deep-fried or grilled chicken. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, so adjust accordingly and use an instant thermometer to check the doneness. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F.

Preparation:

Before cooking, clean and pat your chicken wings dry with a paper towel. Ensure the wings are dry because dry wings will absorb the seasonings better. Add the chicken to a large bowl with your chosen seasonings and baking powder. Make sure all the wings are coated in the seasoning.

Cooking:

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the chicken in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or place chicken on top of each other because this can result in the chicken not cooking evenly or crisply.

Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 7-10 minutes, until no longer pink and an instant thermometer reads 165°F. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches so that the wings are not overcrowded.

Adding Sauce:

Transfer the chicken wings to a clean large bowl. Then, pour your desired amount of barbecue sauce onto the wings and mix until all the wings are coated. Place the chicken coated in barbecue sauce back into the air fryer and heat for an additional 3-5 minutes at 350°F.

Serving:

Serve immediately. Or, if you want extra saucy wings, place the wings back into the bowl and top with more barbecue sauce.

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Place the wings in a single layer with space in between each so the wings cook properly.
• Flip the wings: You want your wings to be perfectly crispy, so it is best to flip at least once during the cooking process so the wings become crispy on both sides.
• Air fry the wings with the sauce: This keeps the wings crispy and gives them a sticky, finger-licking flavour.

How to make honey BBQ sauce

Yes, you can cook BBQ chicken wings in an air fryer. Here is a simple recipe for making honey BBQ sauce to go with your wings:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring the sauce to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool.
• Store the sauce in an airtight glass container for up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is perfect for burgers, wings, chicken, and more. It is wonderfully sticky and sweet, making it a great option for a family get-together or a weekday dinner.

How to store and reheat leftover wings

Storing and reheating leftover wings is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy your favourite meal again. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your leftover wings to maintain their taste and texture.

Storing Leftover Wings

To keep your leftover wings fresh and edible, follow these storage guidelines:

• Use an airtight container: Place your leftover wings in an airtight container or a zippered plastic bag. This will prevent the wings from drying out and will keep them from absorbing unwanted odours.
• Refrigerate within two hours: It is essential to refrigerate your leftover wings promptly. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Maintain a safe refrigerator temperature: Ensure that your refrigerator temperature is set below 40°F (4°C). A temperature above 40°F can promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Consume within 3-5 days: Properly stored leftover wings can be safely consumed within 3-5 days.

Reheating Leftover Wings in an Air Fryer

Reheating leftover wings in an air fryer is a convenient and effective method to restore their crispy texture and delicious taste. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 370°F. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature for optimal cooking.
• Prepare the wings: Place the leftover wings in the air fryer basket or tray. If desired, you can add extra seasoning, such as salt and pepper, at this point.
• Arrange the wings in a single layer: Ensure that the wings are not overlapped or stacked. Arrange them in a single layer with some space between each wing to allow for even air circulation during cooking.
• Lightly coat with oil (optional): For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush or spray the wings with a small amount of cooking oil.
• Reheat the wings: Place the basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and cook the wings for 5-7 minutes.
• Shake or flip the wings: After the initial cooking time, carefully shake the basket or flip the wings using tongs to ensure even cooking and crisping on all sides.
• Continue cooking: Put the wings back in the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. The temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that harmful bacteria are destroyed.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the wings have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot!

Tips for Optimal Results

• Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes: Preheating the air fryer helps create a hot environment that promotes even cooking and crispy exteriors while locking in moisture.
• Add moisture or oil: Brushing the wings with a thin layer of cooking oil or melted butter before reheating can help seal in moisture and enhance crispiness.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the wings during the reheating process to prevent overcooking or drying out.
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly: If the wings are browning too fast on the outside before they are fully heated, loosely cover them with aluminium foil during the latter part of the reheating process.
• Reheat sauced wings carefully: If you are reheating wings with sauce on them, use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to prevent the sauce from sticking to the air fryer basket and causing a mess. Reheat sauced wings for 4-5 minutes at 350°F.

How to cook frozen wings in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen wings in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Place the desired amount of frozen wings into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each wing to allow for airflow. If the wings are stuck together, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to separate them.

Step 2: Defrost the Wings

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C or 205°C) and cook the wings for 10 minutes to defrost them partially. After this, remove any liquid from the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Season the Wings

Transfer the wings to a large bowl and add your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple mixture of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, or get creative with other spices. Don't forget to add olive oil to help the wings get nice and crispy. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Place the seasoned wings back into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each wing. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C or 205°C) and cook for 10-13 minutes. Then, flip the wings and cook for an additional 7-13 minutes, depending on their size. The wings are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C or 75°C).

Step 5: Sauce the Wings (Optional)

If you want saucy wings, prepare your favorite sauce or use a store-bought option. Brush the sauce onto the cooked wings and place them back into the air fryer for 2-5 minutes to seal in the flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your crispy and juicy air fryer wings are now ready to be served! You can serve them as an appetizer or main course, paired with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

How to make air fryer BBQ chicken thighs

Yes, you can cook BBQ chicken wings in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs:

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• Olive oil
• BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil.
• In a small bowl, combine the spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne
• Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs.
• Place the chicken thighs inside the air fryer, skin side down.
• Air fry for 12 minutes.
• Flip the thighs, then brush them with half of the BBQ sauce.
• Air fry for another 5 minutes.
• Brush the thighs with the remaining BBQ sauce and continue cooking for 3-8 minutes, or until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your choice of side dishes.

Tips:

• Make sure the chicken thighs are in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• You can pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help the oil and seasonings adhere better.
• For extra crispy chicken, you can add baking powder to the seasoning mix.

Frequently asked questions