Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Timing For Perfect Crispy Results

Chicken wings are a popular snack, appetiser, or meal that can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time varies depending on the type of air fryer and the desired crispiness of the wings. On average, chicken wings take between 16 to 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

For extra crispy wings, some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature for the last few minutes. It is also important to ensure that the wings are not overcrowded in the air fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and crispiness.

Some recipes also recommend drying the wings thoroughly before cooking and tossing them in oil and spices for extra flavour.

How to prep the wings before air frying

Preparing chicken wings before air frying is an important step in ensuring they turn out crispy and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prep your wings for the best results:

Defrost the Wings:

If your wings are frozen, it is essential to defrost them properly before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually. This step is crucial, as it ensures the wings are evenly cooked and helps maintain the integrity of the meat.

Separate the Wings:

If you've purchased whole wings, separate them into drums and flats. This step allows for even cooking and ensures that all parts of the wing are properly seasoned and cooked through.

Pat the Wings Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the wings as dry as possible. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the wings is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin. This step helps the wings crisp up nicely during the air frying process.

Season the Wings:

Place the defrosted and dried wings in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. Then, add your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Toss the wings in the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but this temperature range is ideal for cooking chicken wings.

Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. It's important to give them enough space to allow for proper air circulation, which is key to getting crispy wings. If you have a large batch of wings, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.

Now that your wings are prepped and ready to go, you can proceed with air frying according to your chosen recipe. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried wings!

The best temperature to cook wings in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The optimal temperature for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Temperature and Timing

Most recipes recommend cooking chicken wings in an air fryer between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature and timing will depend on your air fryer model and the size of the wings. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Some recipes suggest cooking the wings in two stages: first at a lower temperature to render the fat and cook the wings through, and then at a higher temperature to crisp up the skin. For example, you can cook the wings at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining cooking time.

Tips for Crispy Wings

To ensure crispy wings, it's crucial to dry the wings thoroughly before cooking. You can use paper towels to pat them dry. Some people even suggest placing the wings on a rack in the fridge for a few hours to help draw out the moisture.

Coating the wings in oil and seasonings will also enhance the crispiness. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings in the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.

When arranging the wings in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Crowding the basket can prevent proper air circulation, leading to soggy wings. You may need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Don't Forget the Sauce!

While the wings are cooking, you can prepare your favourite sauce. Classic options include buffalo wing sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and BBQ sauce. For an extra kick, try hot honey.

Once the wings are cooked, you can either toss them in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If you want the crispiest skin, it's best to dunk the wings in the sauce rather than tossing them in a bowl.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, juicy wings. By following the tips and techniques outlined above, you'll be able to cook perfect chicken wings in your air fryer every time!

How long to cook wings in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken wings, producing a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The length of time it takes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer depends on the weight of the wings, the model of the air fryer, and the desired crispiness.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is important to ensure that the chicken wings are dry. Use paper towels to pat them dry. You can also place the wings in the refrigerator uncovered for a day or two to dry out the exterior and ensure crispiness.

After drying, coat the wings in oil and your chosen seasonings. Some popular seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper. You can also add baking powder to the wings, which will react with the chicken skin to create a crispier texture.

Cooking Time

For 1 pound of chicken wings, it will take around 16-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F. If you are cooking 2 pounds of wings, it will take around 23-24 minutes at 360-390°F.

It is recommended to cook the wings in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If your air fryer is not large enough to accommodate all the wings in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the wings to ensure even cooking. You can also shake the air fryer basket every few minutes to prevent the wings from sticking and to ensure even browning.

Doneness

To check if the wings are done, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F. For darker meat, you can cook the wings to an internal temperature of up to 175°F.

Reheating

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

The best air fryer to use for cooking wings

There are many air fryers to choose from, but here are some of the best ones for cooking wings:

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a top performer in air fryer tests. It makes the crispiest and most golden chicken wings, which are juicy and not dry, in the shortest amount of time. It has a 5.5-quart capacity and is easy to use, with intuitive buttons and a clear owner's manual. The basket is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.

Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook

This 6-quart air fryer from Instant is a great value, even at full price. It has a see-through window design, allowing you to see inside without pulling out the basket. It also has a light inside that turns on automatically before the timer goes off. The square basket maximizes cooking space, and it cooks chicken wings and frozen fries evenly and quickly.

Cosori Turboblaze Air Fryer

The Cosori Turboblaze Air Fryer has a 6-quart capacity but is shorter and sleeker than many other air fryers. It has a square basket and a removable tray that pops securely into place. Its control panel is easy to view and use, with large lettering and straightforward settings. It cooks food evenly and is a good choice if you want to air fry grilled cheese without the fan blowing the bread around.

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is similar to the Ninja Max XL but is shorter and slimmer, with a 4-quart capacity. It is easy to program and clean, with a nonstick basket and removable cooking tray. Chicken wings come out super crispy and fries cook well. Its smaller size doesn't compromise cooking performance.

Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer is a dual-basket air fryer, which is helpful if you want to cook two different foods at once or if you want to cook smaller portions. Each basket is perfect for air frying one to two portions, or you can combine them to cook at the total 8-quart capacity. Wings and fries cook quickly and well in this air fryer, and the smaller baskets are easier to clean.

Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, TOA-70

The Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven is an air fryer toaster oven that allows you to air fry, toast, bake, and more. It made the crispiest air-fried food in the shortest amount of time in tests and produced some of the most evenly colored toast. Since food cooks quickly using the Air Fry setting, it is recommended to use a lower temperature and keep a close eye on the food to prevent burning. It has a large 15.5-inch by 16-inch air fry rack and a drip/crumb tray for easy cleanup.

Instant 10QT Air Fryer

The Instant 10QT Air Fryer is an oven-style air fryer with multiple shelves, allowing you to cook different foods at once. Wings came out crispy, tender, and evenly browned when cooked on the top shelf, and fries cooked better in the rotisserie basket. It also has a rotisserie feature that produces an evenly browned and juicy chicken. The door needs to be pushed firmly to close.

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer

The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer is a high-tech air fryer that includes a temperature probe to help guide you through the cooking process. It cooks chicken wings nicely and uses steam to keep foods moist. The digital interface is attractive and helpful but has a small learning curve. It is pricier than your average air fryer.

How to store leftover wings

Chicken wings are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover wings stay fresh and safe to eat:

Storing Leftover Wings

Leftover chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed for up to 3-4 days. It is important to maintain a temperature below 40°F (4°C) in your refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth. Use a fridge thermometer to monitor the temperature regularly.

To store your leftover wings, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will help keep them from drying out and prevent them from absorbing unwanted odors. Make sure to keep them separate from raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Reheating Leftover Wings

When reheating your leftover wings, it is crucial to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. Avoid reheating the wings on high heat, as this can dry them out or burn them. Instead, opt for medium heat on the stovetop or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).

Signs That Your Leftover Wings Have Gone Bad

Even if stored properly, leftover chicken wings can spoil. Trust your senses and inspect the wings for any off odors, slimy texture, or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, discard the wings immediately. When in doubt, it is always better to be safe than sorry—foodborne illness is no fun!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Wings

If you're looking to get creative with your leftover wings, here are some delicious ideas:

• Buffalo chicken dip: Shred the leftover chicken and combine it with hot sauce, cream cheese, and blue cheese. Bake until bubbly, and you've got a tasty dip!
• Chicken wing salad sandwiches: Shred the chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, red onion, and your favorite spices. Pile it high on toasted bread for a satisfying lunch.
• Stir-fries: Chop up the leftover chicken and toss it into your stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and sauce for a protein boost.
• Chicken stir fry bowl: Cut the chicken into small pieces and dice up some vegetables. Add oil to a wok or saute pan, then throw in the chicken and veggies. Heat up some rice and top it all off with your favorite sauce.

Frequently asked questions