Air Fryer Cornstarch Wings: Crispy, Coated, And Delicious!

Cornstarch is the secret ingredient to achieving crispy chicken wings without the excess grease and oil of deep frying. It absorbs more moisture than other starches, resulting in a crispier texture.

To make cornstarch chicken wings in an air fryer, coat the wings in a mixture of cornstarch and your desired seasonings. Then, place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 400°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

You can also double-team by first baking the cornstarch-coated wings in the oven and then finishing them in the air fryer for an extra crispy texture.

How to coat the wings in cornstarch

Coating chicken wings in cornstarch is a great way to ensure your wings come out extra crispy. Cornstarch is a secret weapon when it comes to achieving that crunchy, golden-brown coating. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to coat your chicken wings in cornstarch:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture is crucial, as it ensures that the cornstarch coating adheres well to the wings.

Step 2: Mix Cornstarch and Spices

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with your desired spices and seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper to create a delicious dry rub. Mix the cornstarch and spices until they are well combined.

Step 3: Toss Chicken Wings in Oil

Place the dry chicken wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or another neutral-flavored oil. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with oil.

Step 4: Coat the Wings

Now, it's time to coat the wings with the cornstarch mixture. Sprinkle the cornstarch and spice mixture over the oiled chicken wings. Use your hands or two spoons to toss the wings and ensure they are thoroughly coated. Make sure every wing is well-coated with cornstarch, as this will be key to achieving that extra crispiness.

Step 5: Air Fry the Wings

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F. Place the coated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the wings for around 15-20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the wings, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

And that's it! By following these steps, you'll end up with delicious, crispy cornstarch-coated chicken wings cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking cornstarch-coated chicken wings in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer, the size of the wings, and the crispiness you desire. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your wings turn out crispy and delicious.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 380°F and 400°F for preheating and cooking. For example, one recipe suggests preheating at 380°F and then cooking at 425°F, while another recommends setting the air fryer to 390°F for both preheating and cooking.

When it comes to cooking time, the duration will depend on the size of your wings and the number of batches you are cooking. Smaller wings will take less time, usually around 25 minutes, while larger wings can take up to 30 minutes. If you are cooking multiple batches, the first batch may take longer if your air fryer is not preheated. It is recommended to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process and spray them with cooking oil to get an even crisp.

For extra crispy wings, you can try a cornstarch crust method. After seasoning the wings, coat them with cornstarch and spray them liberally with oil. Make sure there are no dry spots, as these will cook hard and dry. Then, air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes or until crispy, flipping the wings halfway through. You can add an additional 5-10 minutes at the same temperature to make them even crispier.

Remember to always check on your wings frequently to avoid overcooking or burning them. Enjoy your crispy, cornstarch-coated chicken wings!

How to cook frozen wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Place the frozen wings in the basket of the air fryer. Try to remove any large chunks of ice and ensure there is space between each wing. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Step 2: Partially Cook the Wings

Cook the wings for 5 minutes, then take them out and drain any liquid from the bottom of the tray.

Step 3: Season the Wings

Transfer the wings to a bowl and add your preferred seasonings. You can use a mixture of cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and salt for a dry rub. Alternatively, toss the wings with melted butter and add spices and cornstarch.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Return the wings to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (390°F or 350°F also work).

Step 5: Flip and Cook Again

Remove the tray and use tongs to flip the wings. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes at 400°F.

Step 6: Sauce the Wings (Optional)

If desired, remove the wings and transfer them to a bowl. Add your favourite sauce, such as buffalo sauce, and use a spatula to coat the wings evenly. Return the wings to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F to crisp them up.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer the wings to a serving plate or bowl. Top with more sauce, if desired, and serve with celery and carrot sticks on the side. Enjoy!

The difference between cornstarch and flour

Cornstarch and flour are both made by grinding grains into a fine white powder, and both are used as thickening agents in cooking. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Cornstarch is obtained by extracting the starch from corn grain, specifically from the endosperm of the kernel. It is almost 100% starch, without any fibre, protein, fat, or other components. It has a very fine, chalky texture and a squeaky feel when rubbed between the fingers. In addition to its use in gluten-free baking, cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent in sauces and custards. It absorbs more moisture than other starches, making it ideal for creating a crispy texture in fried foods.

Flour, on the other hand, is made by grinding entire dried corn kernels into a fine powder. It is basically very finely ground cornmeal. In addition to starch, flour also contains fibre, protein, and a small amount of fat. There are two types of flour: yellow corn flour, made from yellow corn, and white corn flour, made from white corn kernels. The two types can be used interchangeably and are commonly used in gluten-free baking.

When it comes to air fryer chicken wings, cornstarch is often favoured over flour as it yields crispier results. This is because cornstarch absorbs more moisture, resulting in an ultra-crispy texture. While flour can also be used to create crispy wings, some people find that it leaves a slightly "'gritty' taste". Therefore, cornstarch is generally recommended over flour for achieving the perfect crispy wing.

How to store and reheat the wings

Storing and reheating your cornstarch-coated wings is a simple process.

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked chicken wings will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to four months. To store your wings, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure your fridge is cold—below 40°F (4°C).

To reheat your wings, the oven or air fryer are the best options, as these will keep your wings crispy. If you are reheating a large batch of wings, the oven is probably the best option. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take your wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Place the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each wing. Spritz the wings with water or cooking spray to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are crispy.

If you are reheating a smaller batch of wings, the air fryer is a good option. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Take your wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space for the hot air to circulate. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, until they are crispy and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you are in a hurry, you can also reheat your wings in the microwave, but this will make them lose their crispness. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or in 20-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently asked questions