Air-Fried Chicken Wings: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but they can be time-consuming to make and unhealthy. Air fryers provide a shortcut to making juicy, crispy wings with less fat than deep-fried wings.

The key to getting that perfect crispiness is to pat the wings dry with a paper towel before cooking. You can also add baking powder to the wings to create a beautiful golden brown and crispy skin.

Air fryers also allow you to get creative with your seasonings. You can use anything from garlic salt and lemon pepper to hot sauce or BBQ sauce.

Air-fried wings are typically done in less than 20 minutes, and you'll never want to make wings any other way again!

Pat the chicken wings dry

To make chicken wings in an air fryer, you'll want to start by patting the wings dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, as it will help remove any excess moisture from the wings, ensuring they become nice and crispy. You want them to be as dry as possible.

Season the wings

Seasoning the wings is the key to making them delicious. The first step is to pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the wings crisp up.

Next, place the wings in a bowl and add your choice of oil, followed by your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, oregano, ground mustard, and more. Mix well with your hands until the wings are evenly coated.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even add some hot sauce to the mix. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of spices for your taste buds!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is an important step in making chicken wings. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure you get the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-400°F. Most recipes recommend preheating for about 2-5 minutes.
• It is crucial to ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature before adding the chicken wings. This step helps ensure even cooking and the desired crispiness.
• If you are using an air fryer with a basket, give it a light coating of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also use a small amount of your favourite oil.
• If your air fryer has a grill pan or tray instead of a basket, there is no need to add any oil or spray.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. It is crucial to allow adequate airflow around each wing for even cooking and crisping.
• If you are cooking a large batch of wings, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings or sauces. This helps remove excess moisture, promoting a crispier texture.
• For even cooking and browning, shake or flip the wings during the cooking process. Most recipes recommend shaking the basket every few minutes or flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time.

Air fry the wings

Air frying the wings is the final step in making chicken wings in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F to 400°F.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Air fry the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them over.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for another 8-12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dipping sauces!

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings and the model of your air fryer, so adjust the time accordingly. To ensure doneness, use a thermometer probe to check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches at least 165°F.

Flip and air fry again

Once you've cooked your chicken wings in the air fryer for the first time, it's time to flip them and air fry them again. This is a crucial step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness for your wings. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

After the initial cooking time of 10 minutes at 400°F, carefully open the air fryer and flip the chicken wings. You want to ensure that they are evenly cooked on both sides. Close the air fryer again and set the temperature to 400°F. For the second round of cooking, the wings will need to be air-fried for 8-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the exact time may vary depending on the size of your wings. Aim for a golden brown colour and a crispy texture.

If you're using an air fryer basket, make sure the wings are not stacked on top of each other. They need to be arranged in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate effectively. This will ensure that your wings turn out crispy and delicious!

If you're using an air fryer with a tray, the same principle applies. Arrange the wings in a single layer, giving them enough space to cook evenly.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the model and size of your air fryer, as well as the size of the wings. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken wings are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for food safety.

Now, let's talk about the magic behind this cooking method. The air fryer works by rapidly circulating hot air around the food. By flipping the wings and air frying them again, you're ensuring that both sides of the wings are exposed to this intense heat and airflow. This results in an even cook and a crispy texture that we all crave in our chicken wings!

So, there you have it! Flipping and air frying your chicken wings again is a crucial step in achieving that perfect, mouth-watering crispiness. Follow these simple instructions, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy chicken wings made right in your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions