Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy Perfection In Minutes

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them can be a hassle. Air fryers offer a shortcut to making juicy, crispy wings without the mess and added fat of deep frying. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the wings and the type of air fryer used, but generally, wings will take around 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380-400°F.

Pat the chicken wings dry

The first step to making crispy chicken wings in an air fryer is to pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps remove any excess moisture from the wings, ensuring they become crisp when cooked. If you are a believer in the chicken rinsing movement, then by all means, give the wings a good rinse before patting them dry.

Once patted dry, you can then season the wings with your desired spices and herbs. A simple seasoning blend could include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or Sriracha. You can also add cornstarch to the wings, which gives them a nice crispy coating.

After seasoning, arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking pan lined with foil paper. The foil paper will help collect any drippings from the chicken, making cleanup a breeze.

Now your chicken wings are dry and seasoned, and they are ready for the air fryer!

Add oil and seasoning

Now that your chicken wings are dry, it's time to add some oil and seasoning. Place the wings into a bowl and add a drizzle of oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or any other neutral oil you have on hand.

Next, add your seasonings. You can use garlic salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a little baking powder to your wings, as this will help make the skin extra crispy. Toss the wings in the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy chicken wings. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you get it right:

Step 1: Understand Your Air Fryer

First, it is important to know the type and model of your air fryer. Different air fryers have different preheating requirements. The two main types of air fryers are the toaster oven style, which has an oven door, and the slide-in drawer/basket type. Knowing your air fryer's type will help you preheat it effectively.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

If your air fryer basket requires any preparation, such as spraying it with cooking spray, avocado oil spray, or a non-stick coating, do so now. This step ensures that your chicken wings don't stick to the basket during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat to the Right Temperature

Now, it's time to preheat your air fryer. For most air fryers, preheat to 380°F/193°C. However, if your air fryer is different, adjust the temperature accordingly. The preheating time may vary, but it usually takes around 3 minutes.

Step 4: Be Flexible

Remember that every air fryer is unique, and you might need to make slight adjustments. For example, if your air fryer has a lower wattage, you may need to increase the preheating time slightly. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Step 5: Get Ready to Cook!

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, it's time to add your seasoned chicken wings and let the magic happen! Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy chicken wings made in your perfectly preheated air fryer.

Air fry for 10 minutes

Once you have prepared your chicken wings with your desired seasoning, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Air frying is a great way to make crispy chicken wings without deep frying or a long oven cook time. The high temperature and speed of the air circulating in the air fryer create very crisp skin that you can’t get in an oven.

Before air frying, it is important to pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them get nice and crispy. You can also coat the wings in a little oil before adding any additional seasonings.

When placing the wings in the air fryer, make sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

After 10 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook until the wings are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time will be around 16 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your wings and the model of your air fryer.

You can enjoy the wings as is, or toss them in your favorite sauce such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey garlic sauce. Serve with chopped parsley and ranch dressing on the side.

Flip and air fry for another 8-12 minutes

After the first round of air frying, the chicken wings will likely look a little bland and grey, but don't worry! Simply flip them and air fry a second time at 400°F for another 8-12 minutes until they are crispy. The time may vary based on the size of your wings, so adjust the time accordingly.

The cooking time may vary for the wings depending on their size. If the skin isn’t crispy enough, just add a few more minutes until the skin gets to where you want it to be. To ensure doneness, use a thermometer probe to make sure the internal temperature reads at least 165°F.

Frequently asked questions