Air Fryer Hot Wings: How Long To Fry?

Chicken wings are a popular snack or appetizer, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy results. The cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of wings you are cooking, but generally, it takes around 18-24 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer.

To make chicken wings in an air fryer, start by seasoning the wings with a dry rub or a simple mixture of oil and spices. Some popular spices to use include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend. Once the wings are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.

Cook the wings at a temperature of around 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. If you want extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes of cooking.

Once the wings are cooked, you can toss them in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or sweet chili sauce. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, and enjoy!

How to prep the chicken wings for the air fryer

Preparing chicken wings for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Defrost and Separate the Chicken Wings

If your chicken wings are frozen, make sure to defrost them by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Once they are thawed, separate the wings into drums and flats.

Step 2: Pat the Chicken Wings Dry

It is important to remove any excess moisture from the wings to ensure they get crispy. Use paper towels to pat them dry completely.

Step 3: Season the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a basic blend of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other spices like lemon pepper or white pepper. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes before cooking the wings.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows for proper air circulation, which is crucial for crispy wings. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Now that your chicken wings are prepped, you can proceed to cook them in the air fryer according to your desired level of doneness and crispiness!

How long to cook the wings in the air fryer

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer varies depending on the weight of the wings, the desired crispiness, and the air fryer model. Here is a general guide on how long to cook chicken wings in an air fryer:

Cooking Time by Weight

The cooking time for 2 pounds of chicken wings in an air fryer is generally around 20-25 minutes. For example, one recipe suggests cooking 2 pounds of wings at 360ºF for 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, then increasing the temperature to 390ºF and cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes.

Another recipe recommends cooking 2 pounds of wings at 400°F for a total of 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.

For larger batches, such as 2.5 pounds of wings, the cooking time may be longer. One recipe suggests cooking at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the wings are cooked through.

Cooking Time for Desired Crispiness

To achieve extra crispy wings, some recipes recommend cooking at a higher temperature, such as 400°F, for a longer period of time, such as 18-22 minutes.

For a crispier texture, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to leave space between the wings for air to circulate. This may require cooking the wings in multiple batches.

Air Fryer Model

The cooking time may also vary depending on the model of the air fryer. For example, one recipe recommends cooking 1 pound of wings in a 3.5-quart air fryer at 360°F for 12 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 12 minutes, and finally increasing the temperature to 390°F and cooking for about 6 minutes until extra crispy.

Another recipe suggests cooking 2 pounds of wings in a large air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for an additional 8-12 minutes until crispy.

In summary, the cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the wings, the desired crispiness, and the model of the air fryer. It is generally recommended to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness, and to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and model of the air fryer.

What temperature to cook the wings in the air fryer

The optimal temperature for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature is high enough to cook the wings thoroughly and give them a crispy texture.

• Defrost the chicken wings and separate them into drums and flats.
• Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy.
• Place the wings in a bowl and add your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. You can also add oil to the wings at this stage.
• Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Overcrowding the basket will affect the cooking process and the crispiness of the wings.
• Air fry the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the wings and air fry for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips or sauces.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings, 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.

How to get the wings extra crispy in the air fryer

How to Get Extra Crispy Wings in the Air Fryer

Pat the Wings Dry

Before seasoning your wings, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the skin crisps up during cooking.

Use Baking Powder

A little baking powder goes a long way when it comes to making extra crispy wings. The baking powder reacts with the chicken skin by raising its pH level, creating tiny air bubbles, and helping to form a crispy coating.

Single Layer

When placing your wings in the air fryer, make sure to arrange them in a single layer with a little room between them. This allows for even cooking and helps the skin to get nice and crispy.

Toss the Wings

For even cooking and crispiness, be sure to toss or flip the wings every 3-5 minutes.

Increase the Temperature

For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes of cooking.

What to serve with the wings

There are many different side dishes that go well with hot wings. Here are some ideas:

Salads

• A simple garden salad with seasonal veggies, like juicy tomatoes and crisp carrots on a bed of lettuce.
• Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons: A cooling side to pair with hot and spicy chicken wings.
• Spicy Greens Salad with Gochujang Dressing: A unique side salad with mixed greens tossed in a dressing that includes spicy crushed red pepper flakes, coconut milk, and fish sauce.
• Greek-Style Barley Salad: A grain salad with colorful, chopped raw vegetables and tangy feta cheese.

Potato Dishes

• Potato wedges: A hearty side that can be served with various toppings like crumbled bacon, sour cream, jalapeños, and cheese.
• Air Fryer French Fries: Super easy and delicious homemade French fries.
• Baked Potato: An inexpensive and classic side that always pleases a crowd.
• Loaded Smashed Potatoes: A fancier version of baked potatoes, filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and chives.
• Potato Salad: A creamy, crunchy, and fresh side dish that can be made in just 15 minutes.

Breads

• Cornbread: Fluffy, buttery, moist, and easy to make.
• Parmesan Bread Bites: Soft and pillowy on the inside, buttery and golden brown on the outside, topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
• Cheesy-Stuffed Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls: Simple garlic butter crescent rolls filled with mozzarella cheese.
• Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Delicious and gluten-free copycat recipe.
• Pretzel Bites: Soft and warm pretzel bites paired with a gooey cheese sauce.

Dips and Sauces

• Blue Cheese Sauce: A tangy and pungent dip that pairs well with hot wings.
• Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: A creamy dip that balances the spice of wings.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, a delightful contrast to spicy wings.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, smoky, or spicy, depending on the variety, adding depth to the wings.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory option that complements wings.
• Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and creamy, offering a kick of heat to the wings.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky, a luxurious option.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, a unique twist for dipping wings.
• Soy-Ginger Glaze: A flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings that work well with wings.

Other Sides

• Veggies and dip: Slices of celery, carrots, and other favorite veggies with creamy dips like bleu cheese or ranch dressing.
• Onion Rings: Golden brown and crispy, the perfect crunchy accompaniment to juicy chicken wings.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A classic, cheesy dish that goes well with wings.
• Cowboy Caviar: A Tex-Mex-inspired dip that can be enjoyed on its own, with chips, or spooned onto tacos.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: A perfect appetizer that is easy to make and always a winner.
• Guacamole: Avocados and lime juice with the option to add in any extras you like.

Frequently asked questions