Frying Chicken Wings: Air Fryer Time And Temperature Guide

Chicken wings are a popular snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers offer a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to frying chicken wings. The circulating hot air in an air fryer makes the skin of the chicken wings super crisp, which is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven.

Air-frying chicken wings is simple and requires very few ingredients. The wings are seasoned with a dry rub or marinade and cooked in the air fryer for 16 to 24 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the desired crispiness. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but they can be cooked longer for crispier skin.

Air-fried chicken wings can be served with various sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or hot sauce. They also go well with side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, or celery and carrot sticks.

How to prep the chicken wings

Preparing chicken wings for the air fryer is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, separate the wings into drums and flats if they come as full wings. Make sure the wings are defrosted.

Next, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it ensures the removal of excess moisture, helping the wings become crispy during the air frying process.

Now, it's time to season the wings. Place the wings in a bowl and add your preferred seasonings and oil. You can use a basic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with rosemary, oregano, and ground mustard. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour combination!

After the wings are seasoned, it's time to preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F for a few minutes.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's cooking time! Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. This step is important as it allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

And that's it! You're now ready to air fry your delicious, crispy chicken wings. Enjoy!

How to season the chicken wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Firstly, separate the wings into drums and flats. If you have purchased whole wings, use a sharp knife to cut between the wing tip and the flat, and then between the flat and drumette. Discard the tips or save them for your next batch of homemade chicken stock.

Step 2: Dry the Chicken Wings

Use a paper towel to pat the chicken wings until they are completely dry. This step is important as it ensures the wings get crispy when cooked.

Step 3: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix together the dry ingredients for the seasoning. The specific spices you use are up to you, but a simple combination could include rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add ground mustard for an extra kick.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado or vegetable oil. Toss the wings to ensure they are well coated, then add the seasoning mix and toss again until the wings are evenly coated.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the outsides are extra crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve immediately. These wings are delicious on their own, but you can also toss them in your favourite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic. Enjoy!

How long to air fry the chicken wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a quick and easy way to make juicy and crispy chicken wings. They can be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight meal or game-time snack. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to air fry chicken wings:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Before air frying, it is important to prepare the chicken wings properly. Start by patting the wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy during the cooking process. If you are using whole chicken wings, separate them into drumettes and flats by cutting at the joints. You can also cut off and discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Wings

Once the wings are dry, it's time to add the seasoning. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with your favorite spice blends. Place the wings in a large bowl, add oil and your chosen seasonings, and toss until the wings are evenly coated. You can also use a zip-top bag for this step to make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). The preheating time will depend on your air fryer model, but it usually takes just a few minutes. Some recipes recommend preheating for 2-5 minutes, while others suggest preheating for up to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Wings

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overlapping the wings can prevent them from cooking evenly and getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Air fry the wings at 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your wings and your desired level of crispiness.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

To ensure that your chicken wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). However, you can cook them longer if you prefer crispier wings. Some recipes suggest cooking the wings until the internal temperature reaches 180-200°F (82-93°C) for extra crispy skin.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Some popular options include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or sweet chili sauce. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer chicken wings!

How to store and reheat the chicken wings

Storing and reheating chicken wings is easy! Here's what you need to know:

Storing Chicken Wings

Leftover chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

The best way to reheat chicken wings is in the air fryer, as this method keeps the wings crispy without drying them out. Here's what to do:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
• Spritz the wings with cooking spray or oil, if desired.
• Reheat for 2 to 10 minutes, until warmed through and crispy.

Reheating Sauced Wings

If your wings are coated in sauce, it's best to use a small air fryer pan, or place the wings on a piece of tin foil or parchment paper to avoid a mess. Reheat sauced wings for 4 to 5 minutes.

Other Reheating Methods

While the air fryer is the best method, you can also reheat chicken wings in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the wings on a greased baking sheet in a single layer, about an inch apart.
• Bake for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until warmed through.

Stovetop

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat.
• Add the wings to the hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until heated through.

Microwave

• Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel.
• Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to overcook.

How to get the crispiest chicken wings

Ingredients

To make the crispiest chicken wings, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pepper or paprika
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

Method

• Dry the wings: Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture, ensuring the wings become crispy during cooking.
• Season the wings: Place the wings in a large bowl and add your chosen oil, seasonings, and baking powder. Toss or mix until the wings are evenly coated.
• Air fry: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook at 380°F/193°C for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F/204°C and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the wings: After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer and carefully flip the wings over. This ensures even cooking and browning.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches at least 165°F/74°C.
• Serve: Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Use fresh, defrosted wings rather than frozen.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.
• Increase the cooking temperature to 400°F/204°C for the last few minutes of cooking to boost crispiness.
• Toss the wings in your chosen sauce just before serving, rather than tossing them in sauce beforehand.

Frequently asked questions