Air Fryer Crispy Wings: The Perfect Crunch!

Chicken wings are a delicious snack or meal, and they can be made even crispier in an air fryer. The key to getting that extra crispiness is to dry the wings thoroughly before cooking, and to use baking powder or cornstarch in your seasoning. You can also try spritzing the wings with oil before putting them in the air fryer.

The importance of drying the wings before cooking

When it comes to making crispy chicken wings in the air fryer, one of the most important steps is to ensure that the wings are thoroughly dried before cooking. This means patting them down with paper towels or even letting them air dry to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step because it helps the wings achieve that coveted crispiness we all crave.

Drying the wings before cooking is essential because it helps to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the wings. This is important because moisture is the enemy of crispiness when it comes to fried foods. By removing the moisture, you are giving the wings the best chance to become super crispy when cooked.

When you dry the wings, you are essentially removing any barriers that would prevent the skin from crisping up. Moisture can make the skin soggy and flimsy, which is the opposite of what we want. By drying the wings, you are also creating a better surface for the seasoning to adhere to. This ensures that the wings are evenly and thoroughly coated, resulting in a more flavourful and crispy wing.

Drying techniques

There are a few different ways to dry chicken wings before cooking. The most common method is to use paper towels to pat the wings down until they are completely dry. You can also let the wings air dry by placing them on a wire rack or baking sheet for a few hours or even overnight. This method is often used in conjunction with a dry brine, where the wings are rubbed with salt and other spices before air-drying, which helps to draw out even more moisture.

Don't skip this step!

While it may seem like a simple step, drying your chicken wings before cooking them in the air fryer is essential to achieving that perfect crispiness. It only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference in the final product. So, don't skip this step! Your taste buds will thank you.

The role of baking powder in achieving crispiness

Baking powder is often favoured over baking soda in crispy chicken wing recipes. This is because baking soda can give the wings a strong metallic taste, whereas baking powder does not affect the overall flavour. It is important to note that some baking powders are made with aluminium, which can also result in an unpleasant taste. Therefore, it is recommended to use aluminium-free baking powder to achieve the perfect crispiness without any unwanted flavours.

Oil and sauce recommendations

Oil is an important component in achieving the perfect crispy chicken wings in an air fryer. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the wings and also aids in achieving the desired crispiness. While some recipes suggest that oil can be skipped, most recommend using a neutral oil such as avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil.

For sauces, the options are endless and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Here are some popular choices:

• Buffalo sauce: A classic choice, you can use store-bought sauce or make your own by mixing hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder.
• BBQ sauce: Another classic option that pairs well with chicken wings.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for those who like their wings with a creamy dip.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds an Asian-inspired flair to your wings.
• Hot honey: A relatively new option, drizzling hot honey over your wings can add a unique touch.
• Lemon pepper seasoning: A surprising but delicious choice that adds a zesty twist to your wings.
• Dry rubs: If you prefer your wings on the drier side, opt for a dry rub with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning.
• Korean-style batter: For an extra-crunchy option, try a Korean-style batter with a flour and egg dredge.

Air fryer settings for crispy wings

Making crispy chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook up a tasty meal. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, with some extra tips and tricks to ensure your wings are as crispy as possible.

Ingredients and Preparation

Firstly, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil
• Baking powder (not baking soda!)
• Salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice

Optional ingredients include:

• Your favourite sauce for tossing the wings in after cooking
• Vegetables such as carrots and celery

Before cooking, you should trim the chicken wings into drumettes and wingettes. You can also buy them pre-trimmed. If your wings are frozen, you will need to defrost them first.

Cooking the Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them get crispy. Place the wings in a large bowl and add your oil, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings to coat them evenly in the mixture.

Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-380°F. Air fry the wings for 15-20 minutes at this temperature, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 2-6 minutes, or until the wings are brown and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer basket. Air needs to be able to circulate around them to ensure crispiness.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. If your wings are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time at the lower temperature.
• Don't toss the wings in sauce before serving. This will make the skin soggy. Dunk them instead!
• If your air fryer has a lower maximum temperature, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure the wings are cooked through and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, spritz the wings with oil during the last few minutes of cooking.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Leftover chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat your crispy wings, first remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Then, place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spritz with cooking spray. Reheat at 350°F-375°F/190°C for 2-5 minutes, or until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

If you're reheating sauced wings, it's recommended to use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to avoid a mess and help keep the wings moist. Reheat sauced wings for 4-5 minutes at 350°F/190°C.

Frequently asked questions