Air Fryer Wet Wings: Is It Possible?

Chicken wings are a popular dish to make in an air fryer, as they can be cooked to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. However, it is important to ensure that the wings are dry before placing them in the air fryer, as this will help them get crispy. Additionally, it is recommended to cook the wings in a single layer to allow for air to circulate freely and ensure even cooking.

When cooking chicken wings in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the wings. However, a general guideline is to cook the wings at a temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking process. Some recipes also suggest increasing the temperature towards the end of the cooking time to make the wings crispier.

It is also possible to season the wings before cooking, and there are various seasoning blends and sauces that can be used to add flavour to the dish. Overall, cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this popular dish.

How to get the crispiest wings

##

Should you use frozen or defrosted wings?

You can use either frozen or defrosted wings in an air fryer. However, there are some differences in the preparation and cooking time depending on which option you choose.

Frozen Wings

If you're using frozen wings, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply place them straight into the air fryer basket, ensuring they're in a single layer with some space between them. You can cook frozen raw wings or frozen pre-cooked wings.

For frozen raw wings, you'll first need to air fry them for a few minutes to defrost, and then apply a dry rub or seasoning. You may find liquid at the bottom of the air fryer basket, which you can drain before returning the wings to the air fryer to finish cooking. The total cooking time for frozen raw wings is around 20-25 minutes at 400°F.

For frozen pre-cooked wings, you can simply place them in the air fryer and cook for 11-15 minutes at 400°F. These are usually pre-seasoned, so there's no need to add any extra spices.

Defrosted Wings

If you're using defrosted wings, it's recommended to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding any seasoning or placing them in the air fryer. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure your wings get nice and crispy.

Once your wings are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching. The cooking time for defrosted wings is typically around 16-20 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through.

Tips for Both

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed.
• Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Sauce the wings after they've been air-fried, unless you're using pre-cooked sauced wings.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the wings have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Final Thoughts

Both frozen and defrosted wings can be successfully cooked in an air fryer, but it may be easier to use frozen wings as you don't need to worry about defrosting them first. However, if you have defrosted wings, the preparation and cooking process is still relatively simple and quick. Ultimately, it's up to you which option you choose, depending on what you have available.

How to season your wings

To season your chicken wings, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. Here are some ideas for seasoning blends:

• Olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Oil, kosher salt, white pepper, and baking powder.
• Oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Oil, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.
• Oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.

• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the wings get crispy when cooked.
• Place the wings in a large bowl and add your chosen seasoning blend. You can also use a Ziplock bag for this step.
• Mix or shake the wings until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
• If using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (204°C).
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Cook the wings according to the recipe instructions, flipping or shaking the basket as needed, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauces, such as buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.

How long to cook your wings

The cooking time for air-fried chicken wings varies depending on the recipe and the size of the wings. However, on average, they take between 15 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Before cooking, it is important to ensure that your wings are dry. Remove any excess moisture by patting them with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy. You can also separate the wings into drums and flats if they come whole.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Place the wings in a large bowl and add your choice of oil, seasonings, and spices. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. Some common seasonings include garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add baking powder to the wings for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Air Fry the Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook the wings for 10 minutes, and then flip them over. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 6 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve the Wings

Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Crispy Wings:

• Ensure the wings are fully thawed and pat them dry before cooking.
• Use a small amount of oil (about 1 tablespoon) to help the wings crisp without adding too much extra fat.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature to ensure consistent cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time based on your specific air fryer and wing size, you can achieve crispy and delicious air-fried chicken wings.

What to serve with your wings

While air fryer chicken wings are delicious on their own, you can serve them with a variety of side dishes and sauces to elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Side Dishes

• Potato wedges
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Pretzel bites and cheese sauce
• Garden salad
• Nachos
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Tater tots
• Caesar salad
• Baked potatoes
• Carrots and celery
• Onion rings
• Ranchero tots
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Fruit salad
• Macaroni and cheese
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Kettle chips
• Loaded smashed potatoes
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Guacamole
• Sausage-stuffed mushrooms
• Pigs in a blanket

Sauces

• Buffalo sauce
• Buttermilk ranch dressing
• Blue cheese sauce
• Honey mustard
• Barbecue sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• Garlic parmesan sauce
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy-ginger glaze

Frequently asked questions