Air Fryer Roasted Chicken Wings: How Long To Cook?

Chicken wings are a delicious snack, side, or meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy and juicy. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the skin super crisp, which is hard to achieve in a conventional oven.

There are many different ways to season and cook chicken wings in an air fryer, but the basic steps are as follows:

- Cut the wings into drumettes and flats.

- Pat the wings dry with paper towels.

- Toss the wings with oil and seasonings.

- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

- Air fry at 360-400°F for 10-24 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Depending on the size of your wings and your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so that the wings can cook evenly.

How to make air fryer chicken wings taste crispy

Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings and take a fraction of the time to make. The high temperature and speed of the circulating air in the air fryer create a very crisp skin that cannot be achieved in an oven. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make air fryer chicken wings taste crispy.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: Split into flats and drummettes.
• Marinade: Olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• To serve: Chopped parsley and ranch dressing.
• Other: Non-stick cooking spray, neutral oil, baking powder, white pepper, and other seasonings of your choice.

Method

• Pat the chicken wings dry: Use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the wings. This is a crucial step to ensure the wings become crispy during the air frying process.
• Marinate the chicken wings: Place the wings in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, cayenne pepper, or ground mustard to the marinade. Let the wings rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). You can also preheat for a few minutes at a lower temperature and then increase it during cooking.
• Place the wings in the air fryer: Ensure the wings are in a single layer and not touching each other. You may need to cook the wings in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the wings: Start by cooking the wings at 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 6-12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Remove the wings from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with ranch dressing or your favourite dipping sauce on the side.

The best air fryer temperature for chicken wings

Chicken wings are a fantastic treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

Most air fryer chicken wing recipes call for the following ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Oil (neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil)
• Salt
• Baking powder (to make the skin extra crispy)
• Spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and white or black pepper)

Method

The general method for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is as follows:

• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Place the wings in a bowl and add the oil, spices, and baking powder (if using). Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
• Air fry the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the wings and air fry at 400°F for another 8-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Wings:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if necessary.
• Increase the temperature of the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking to make the wings extra crispy.
• Pat the wings dry before marinating or seasoning them. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure crispy skin.

Alternative Methods:

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake chicken wings in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 15-30 minutes, or until they are crispy and cooked through.

How to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer

Air-fried chicken wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. But what if you've made too many and have leftovers? Here's how to reheat them in your air fryer so they stay crispy and juicy.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) or 360°F (182°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but this range should ensure your wings are heated through without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Wings

Place the leftover wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding the basket will prevent the wings from crisping up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat the wings in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Wings

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and reheat for 3-8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the power of your air fryer and the number of wings you are reheating. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Tips:

• For best results, use fresh wings, not frozen, as air frying works best with fresh wings.
• Pat the wings dry before reheating to remove any excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, reheat the wings in multiple batches.
• Reheated wings are best enjoyed straight away.
• You can also reheat wings in the microwave until heated through, but they may lose their crispiness.

How to store cooked chicken wings

Safe Storage Duration According to USDA

According to the USDA, cooked chicken wings can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. This guideline applies to both homemade and restaurant-quality wings. It's important to remember that this is just a general guideline, and several factors can influence how long your leftover wings will stay good.

Proper Storage Tips for Cooked Chicken Wings

• Temperature control is crucial: Maintain a fridge temperature below 40°F (4°C). This temperature range is the danger zone for bacteria growth, so keeping your fridge nice and cold is vital. Consider investing in a fridge thermometer to monitor the temperature regularly.
• Use airtight containers: Avoid leaving your leftover wings exposed in the fridge. Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and unwanted odour absorption.
• Separate raw and cooked chicken: Raw meat and poultry can harbour harmful bacteria. Always store leftover cooked chicken wings separately from raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Reheating Tips for Leftover Chicken Wings

Even if your leftover wings are within the safe storage window, they may not be ready to eat straight from the fridge. Here's how to reheat them safely and evenly:

• Reach the right internal temperature: Reheat your wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a food thermometer. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria that may have grown are killed.
• Take it slow and steady: Avoid reheating your wings on high heat. Instead, opt for medium heat on the stovetop or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). This approach will help ensure even heating without drying out or burning your wings.

While the USDA recommends a storage duration of 3–4 days for cooked chicken wings, it's generally best to err on the side of caution. Here are some considerations:

• Trust your senses: Spoiled chicken wings may develop an unpleasant odour, a slimy texture, or discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, discard the wings immediately.
• When in doubt, throw it out: If you have any doubts about the safety of your leftover wings, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Foodborne illnesses are unpleasant, so trust your instincts and get rid of any questionable wings.

How to make chicken wings in an air fryer without overcrowding

Chicken wings are a delicious treat, and they are even better when made in an air fryer! The air fryer makes the wings crispy and juicy without the need for deep frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken wings in an air fryer without overcrowding.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Neutral oil (such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
• White pepper
• Baking powder
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Salt

Instructions:

• Start by patting the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the wings get crispy.
• Place the chicken wings in a bowl and add the oil, seasonings, and spices. Toss the wings to coat them evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook the wings at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully flip over the chicken wings.
• Close the air fryer and cook the wings at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips or sides.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure the wings are completely defrosted before cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the size of your wings.
• For extra crispy skin, add a teaspoon of baking powder to the seasoning mix.
• You can use your favorite seasoning blend or experiment with different spices to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions