Air Fryer Chicken Wings: How Long To Fry?

Chicken wings are a popular snack and meal option, and they can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the desired crispiness level, but on average, it takes around 20 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer.

To make crispy chicken wings, it is important to pat them dry before adding any seasoning or oil. This helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring the wings crisp up nicely. Some recipes also suggest using baking powder, which reacts with the chicken skin to create a golden brown and crispy texture.

The air fryer temperature for cooking chicken wings is typically set between 360-400°F (180-200°C). It is recommended to cook the wings in a single layer, without overcrowding the air fryer basket, to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

For best results, use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen ones, as air frying works best with rapidly circulating hot air on fresh wings. You can also double the recipe and cook in batches to ensure all wings are cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Some recipes suggest increasing the temperature during the last few minutes of cooking to make the wings even crispier. It is also recommended to flip or shake the wings during cooking to ensure even browning.

Chicken wings can be served with various dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, or BBQ sauce. They also go well with fresh celery and carrot sticks.

With their crispy texture and juicy meat, air fryer chicken wings are a delicious and convenient option for a quick meal or snack.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

Preparation

Firstly, ensure that you are using fresh chicken wings, not frozen. If you only have frozen wings, allow them to thaw first. Before seasoning, pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the wings to crisp up.

Seasoning

Next, place the chicken wings into a bowl and add your choice of seasoning. You can use a simple dry rub, or a combination of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You could also add some hot sauce to the marinade. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F. Place the wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 390-400°F and cook for a further 8-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Skin

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if necessary, ensuring that they are not touching.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. If your wings are larger than average, you may need to increase the cooking time to render the fat and cook them through.
• Don't overlap the wings. Air fryers need room to circulate air around the food, so if the wings are overlapping they won't crisp up.
• Don't toss the wings in sauce before serving. For the crispiest skin, dunk the wings in the sauce of your choice instead.

How to make sure the wings are cooked through

The best way to ensure that your chicken wings are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that chicken be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing to get an accurate reading. If your wings have not reached this temperature, continue cooking and check the temperature at intervals until they are done.

Another way to ensure your wings are cooked through is to check the juices. Pierce the thickest part of the wing with a knife or fork, and if the juices run clear, your wings are likely done. If the juices are pink or have a red tint, the wings need further cooking.

You can also check if your wings are cooked by looking at the color. Chicken wings that are cooked through will have a golden-brown exterior. If your wings are still pale, they likely need more time in the air fryer.

Finally, you can also check for doneness by twisting a wing. If the joints move freely and the meat tears easily, your wings are likely cooked through. If the joints are still tight and the meat is difficult to tear, they may need more time in the air fryer.

The best temperature to cook chicken wings in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken wings, as they can make the skin super crispy without the need for deep frying. The best temperature to cook chicken wings in an air fryer is between 380°F and 400°F.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Prep the chicken wings by separating them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted and pat them dry completely.
• Place the wings into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to completely coat the wings.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
• Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure they are not touching.
• Cook the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Carefully flip the wings and cook for an additional 8 minutes at 400°F.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips and sides.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Wings:

• Pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning and cooking. This will help remove excess moisture and ensure crispy skin.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the wings in a single layer, allowing enough space for air to circulate. You may need to cook the wings in batches.
• Increase the temperature during the last few minutes of cooking to get extra crispy skin.
• For even crispier skin, try adding a small amount of baking powder to the seasoning mix.

How to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer

Chicken wings are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? You can always eat them cold, but they're so much better hot. Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy texture back without drying them out. Here are some simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 390°F. This is a good temperature for reheating as it will crisp up the wings without overcooking them.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Take your leftover chicken wings out of the fridge and remove any sauce or seasoning. You want the wings to be as dry as possible, so use a paper towel to pat them down and remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Reheat the Wings

Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Reheat for 3-8 minutes, depending on the size and number of wings. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook or burn.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the wings are heated through, they're ready to serve! You can enjoy them as is or toss them in your favourite sauce. They're best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, juicy wings. By following these simple steps, you can have delicious, restaurant-style wings at home in no time!

How to store chicken wings

Chicken wings are a delicious treat, but sometimes we make too many and need to store them for later. Here is how to store your chicken wings to keep them tasty and safe to eat.

Storing Chicken Wings in the Fridge

Leftover chicken wings should be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within the next few days. Place the wings in airtight containers and put them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to four days.

Storing Chicken Wings in the Freezer

If you want to keep your chicken wings for longer, you can put them in the freezer. Use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and maintain their flavour and texture. Frozen chicken wings can be stored for up to four months.

Reheating Chicken Wings

You can reheat chicken wings in the oven, air fryer, frying pan, or microwave. Here is a quick guide for each method:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Take the wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Spritz them with water and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-6 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-6 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Air Fryer: Take the wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Place them in the air fryer in a single layer and heat at 400°F for 5-10 minutes.
• Frying Pan: Let the wings come to room temperature. Heat a frying pan with a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Add the wings and fry for about three minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden.
• Microwave: Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel over them. Heat on high for two minutes, then continue in 30-second intervals until they are warmed through.

Now you know how to store and reheat your chicken wings to keep them tasty and safe to eat!

Frequently asked questions