Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Worth The Hype?

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, appetizer, or meal, but frying them can be a hassle. Luckily, air fryers provide a healthier way to prepare wings without deep-frying or a long oven cook time. They're crisp on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside.

Air fryers use rapidly circulating hot air to crisp the food, and this result is best achieved with fresh wings. It is important to pat the wings dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture, which will help them get nice and crispy. Additionally, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the hot air can properly circulate.

Most recipes suggest cooking the wings at around 360-400°F for 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also increase the temperature towards the end of the cooking time to make them extra crispy.

How to prepare chicken wings for the air fryer

Preparing chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy, and tender wings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken wings for the air fryer:

Step 1: Defrost and Separate the Wings

If you're using frozen wings, it's best to defrost them overnight in the refrigerator. Once they're thawed, separate the wings into drumettes and flats (wing tips). You can discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock.

Step 2: Pat the Wings Dry

Use paper towels to pat the wings dry thoroughly. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture will prevent the wings from getting crispy.

Step 3: Season the Wings

Place the wings in a large bowl or a gallon-size Ziplock bag. Add your choice of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) and toss to coat the wings evenly.

For seasoning, you can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Alternatively, you can use lemon pepper seasoning, which adds a delicious twist to your wings. You can also add other spices like oregano, rosemary, or ground mustard for extra flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F for a few minutes. The exact temperature and time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 5: Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer to allow proper air circulation for even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Step 6: Air Fry the Wings

Cook the wings for 10-12 minutes at the set temperature, then flip them over. Increase the temperature to 390-400°F and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Toss with Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer saucy wings, you can toss them in your favorite sauce after they're done cooking. Options include buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. You can also make a lemon pepper sauce by combining olive oil, oregano, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Your crispy, juicy air fryer chicken wings are now ready to be devoured! Serve them with your choice of dipping sauces and enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired crispiness of the wings. However, a general guideline is to preheat the air fryer to between 360-400°F and cook the wings for 10-24 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 360-400°F. A higher temperature will result in crispier wings, but it's important to monitor the wings closely to avoid overcooking or burning.

Air Fryer Cooking Time

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer can range from 10-24 minutes, depending on the size of the wings and the desired level of doneness. For smaller wings, 10-12 minutes per side at 360-390°F should be sufficient. For larger wings, increase the cooking time to 18-24 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Wings

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning and cooking. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure crispy skin.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow enough space between the wings for air to circulate, which will help crisp up the skin. You may need to cook the wings in batches.
• Increase the temperature towards the end of the cooking time. This will help crisp up the skin and give the wings a nice golden colour.
• Toss the wings in sauce after cooking. Adding sauce to the wings before air frying can make them soggy. Instead, toss the cooked wings in your favourite sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Air fryer chicken wings seasoning

Air fryer chicken wings are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer is a brilliant way to cook chicken wings as it makes the skin super crispy, and the center is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make air fryer chicken wings:

• Defrosted chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Baking powder (optional)
• White pepper (optional)

Method

First, prep the chicken wings by separating them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted and pat them dry completely. This is important so they get crispy.

Place the wings into a bowl and add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the wings. Feel free to use your favorite seasoning blend.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Add the wings in a single layer to the air fryer (they should not be touching) and cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully flip over the chicken wings. Close the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for another 8 minutes.

Remove the chicken wings and serve with your favorite dips and sides, such as blue cheese dressing, ranch, celery, carrots, corn on the cob, or French fries.

Tips for Crispy Wings

To ensure your air fryer chicken wings are crispy, follow these tips:

• Pat the chicken wings dry before adding the seasoning.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the wings in a single layer, and they should not be touching.
• Shake the air fryer basket during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Increase the cooking time if your wings are larger than average.
• For extra crispy skin, add baking powder to the seasoning mix.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer chicken wings!

Air fryer chicken wings sauce

Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, and they can be made extra crispy without the need for baking powder or cornstarch. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the skin super crisp, and the centre is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy.

Sauce Ideas:

• Buffalo Sauce: A classic choice that can be store-bought or made with hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder.
• Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce: For an Asian-inspired twist.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Classic dippers that are always a hit.
• BBQ Sauce: A kid-friendly favourite.
• Hot Honey: A relatively new sauce that pairs well with the wings.
• Honey Buffalo Sauce: A mix of buffalo sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce: A sweet and sticky alternative.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

• Pat the wings dry before adding oil and seasoning to help them get crispier.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed.
• Increase the temperature by 20 degrees in the last 2-3 minutes for an extra-crispy char.
• For even crispier wings, place them standing upright along the sides of the air fryer.

Reheating and Storage:

• For the crispiest results, air fryers are recommended for reheating. Reheat at 360°F for about 2-4 minutes.
• Wings can also be reheated in the microwave until heated through.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Cooked wings can be frozen and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations:

• Oven-Baked Wings: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Note that the wings will take longer to cook and may not get as crispy.
• Smoked Chicken Wings: Try smoking the wings for a unique flavour profile.
• Spicy Wings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for a kick.

Air fryer chicken wings are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy crispy and juicy wings with a variety of sauces to suit all tastes.

How to reheat air fryer chicken wings

To reheat air fryer chicken wings, simply place them back in the air fryer and cook at 360°F to 400°F for 3 to 8 minutes.

• Set your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
• Reheat for 3 to 8 minutes, or until heated through.
• Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions