Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking Tyson buffalo wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender, and crispy chicken wings. The cooking time will depend on the type of wings you are cooking, the size and model of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness. In general, you can expect to cook Tyson buffalo wings in an air fryer for around 12 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your Tyson buffalo wings cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in juicy, tender, and crispy chicken. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the best results:

First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature setting is ideal for achieving crispy wings. Depending on your air fryer model, it may take around 5 minutes to preheat. This step is crucial as it ensures your wings cook evenly and efficiently.

Prepare the Wings

While the air fryer is preheating, you can take the frozen chicken wings out of their packaging. There is no need to thaw them beforehand, making this a quick and convenient process. Simply place the frozen wings directly into the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure you spread them out in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and helps maintain a consistent temperature.

Maintain Optimal Airflow

As you cook, it is essential to maintain optimal airflow within the air fryer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy wings and uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each wing has enough space. Additionally, consider draining any excess liquid that collects in the basket during cooking, as this liquid can create steam that hinders crisping.

Customise Your Wings

Before or after cooking, you have the option to season your wings with your favourite spices or sauces. A light coating of oil, such as olive or avocado oil, can be brushed or sprayed onto the wings to enhance crisping. Alternatively, you can add sauce after cooking or toss the wings with salt to suit your taste preferences.

Safety and Doneness

To ensure food safety, it is crucial to cook the wings thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches at least 165°F (74°C). If they have not reached this temperature, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until done. This step ensures your Tyson buffalo wings are not only delicious but also safe to consume.

Seasoning the wings

If you are using Tyson's IF Coated Bone-In Chicken Wing Sections with Buffalo Ranch Seasoning Packets, you can simply toss the cooked wings in the provided seasoning. This dry-rubbed preparation means you can enjoy the flavor without getting sticky fingers. The wings are pre-breaded and par-fried, reducing prep and cook time. The seasoning includes pea starch, rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, corn starch, yellow corn flour, and leavening, as well as soybean oil, sugar, dextrose, maltodextrin, and various spices and flavorings.

Tyson also offers uncooked frozen seasoned chicken wing sections in Buffalo Style, which are covered in authentic Buffalo wing flavor. These wings are all-natural, with no added hormones or steroids, and are an excellent source of protein.

Remember, when seasoning the wings, it's important to ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer so that they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for Tyson buffalo wings in an air fryer depend on the type of wings you have. Tyson offers both fully cooked frozen chicken wings and frozen raw chicken wings. The cooking instructions and preparation methods vary between the two.

Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken Wings:

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
• Cooking Time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Other Instructions: No preheat needed.

Frozen Boneless Wings:

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
• Cooking Time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Other Instructions: No preheat needed.

Frozen Raw Chicken Wings:

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
• Cooking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
• Other Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the frozen chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they aren't overcrowded for even cooking. Flip them halfway through for even crisping. Ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches at least 165°F (74°C). If they need more time, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until done.

Reheating Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken Wings:

• Temperature: 350°F
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes for 12 wings, 14-16 minutes for more than 12 wings
• Other Instructions: Toss with sauce after cooking.

Reheating the wings

If you have any leftover Tyson buffalo wings, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, place the leftover wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

Alternatively, you can reheat fully cooked, frozen wings in the air fryer. Place 12 wings in the air fryer basket at 350°F and cook for 12 minutes, then toss with sauce. If you are cooking more than 12 wings, increase the cooking time to 14-16 minutes.

When cooking any wings in the air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket. This will allow for proper air circulation and ensure that the wings cook evenly and get crispy. If the wings are cooked in multiple batches, be sure to drain the basket of any excess water that collects during cooking. This will help to prevent the wings from becoming soggy.

To make the wings extra crispy, sprinkle them with baking powder before cooking. You can also spray the wings with oil during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving Tyson buffalo wings cooked in an air fryer, there are several options and additions to consider. Firstly, sides and dips are a great way to enhance your wing-eating experience. Blue cheese is a classic dip to serve with buffalo wings, but you could also try ranch, sour cream, hot sauce, or BBQ sauce. If you're looking for more substantial sides, consider French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, macaroni and cheese, or sweet potato fries. These sides provide a delicious contrast to the spicy, tangy buffalo wings.

Another option is to create a platter or spread with the wings as the centerpiece. This could include a variety of appetizers, such as crispy popcorn chicken, chicken fingers, or other types of wings like BBQ or honey sriracha. This way, you can offer a range of flavors and textures to your guests, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

If you're serving a crowd or want to make the meal more filling, you can also pair the wings with a main course. Chicken and fries are a classic combination, and the crispiness of the wings pairs well with the softness of mashed potatoes or other comfort foods. For a healthier option, serve the wings with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Lastly, don't forget the drinks! A light beer or a sweet wine like Riesling or Gewurztraminer can help to tame the heat of the buffalo wings. So, whether you're serving a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a game day gathering, or putting together a Christmas potluck, these serving suggestions will elevate your Tyson buffalo wings cooked in an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions