Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but the process of making them can be tedious and time-consuming. The air fryer provides a faster and healthier alternative to deep-frying or baking wings.
Air-fried wings are cooked in under 25 minutes, with no need for preheating. The circulating hot air in the fryer makes the skin super crisp, and the centre is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy.
To make air fryer chicken wings, start by patting the wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, season the wings with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add olive oil to the mix.
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, then flip and cook for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature until they are golden brown and crispy.
For extra crispiness, you can add baking powder to the seasoning mix. This reacts with the chicken skin to create tiny air bubbles, resulting in a paper-thin and crisp exterior.
You can serve these wings as-is or toss them in your favourite sauce, such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time | 10 minutes at 400 F, then 8 minutes at 400 F |
Temperature | 400 F |
Wings | 2 lbs |
Wings type | Drums and flats |
Wings state | Defrosted |
Wings preparation | Pat them dry |
Wings coating | Oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper |
What You'll Learn
How long to heat up chicken wings in an air fryer
Chicken wings are a delicious snack, appetizer, or meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. The length of time it takes to heat up chicken wings in an air fryer depends on the weight of the wings and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes about 20 minutes to heat up chicken wings in an air fryer.
Steps to Heat Up Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer:
First, it is important to ensure that the chicken wings are fully defrosted if they were previously frozen. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Next, prepare the chicken wings by patting them dry and adding any desired seasonings or marinades. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Air fry the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully flip over the chicken wings. Close the air fryer and cook at 400°F for an additional 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the wings. For crispier wings, cook for the full 12 minutes.
Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips or sides.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings:
- For crispier wings, ensure that the wings are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
- Increase the temperature of the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance crispiness.
- For sauced wings, use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to catch any drippings and prevent a mess.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
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How to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Firstly, ensure your chicken wings are defrosted. If they are frozen, leave them in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes.
Step 3: Place Wings in the Air Fryer
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer. They should not be touching.
Step 4: Reheat the Wings
Reheat the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the air fryer and serve.
Tips
- If your wings are sauced, use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to avoid a mess.
- To store leftover chicken wings, keep them in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will last for 3-4 days.
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How to make chicken wings in an air fryer
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Baking powder (optional)
- White pepper (optional)
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Parsley (optional)
- Ranch dressing (optional)
Method:
- First, prep the chicken wings. If they are full wings, separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted.
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. This will help them get crispy.
- Place the wings into a bowl and add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the wings.
- Feel free to use your favourite seasoning blend.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for a few minutes.
- Add the wings to the air fryer in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching.
- Cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Flip the wings over and cook for another 8 minutes at the same temperature.
- Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dips or sides.
Tips:
- You can also add baking powder to the wings to make them extra crispy.
- For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce to the marinade.
- For a non-meat alternative, try air fryer tofu!
- You can also use black pepper instead of white pepper, but be mindful of the ratio as white pepper has a milder flavour profile.
- If you want to make more wings, keep them in a single layer for all-around crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's better to cook the wings in two batches if needed.
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Chicken wings in an air fryer vs. an oven
The Pros of Using an Air Fryer for Chicken Wings
Air fryers have been dubbed the latest must-have appliance for healthy cooking. They are said to produce chicken wings that are crispier and more flavoursome than those cooked in a conventional oven. Air fryers also have the added benefit of being faster and more convenient. There is no need to preheat an air fryer, and they do not heat up the entire house like an oven might. They are also easier to clean and do not produce smoke.
The Cons of Using an Air Fryer for Chicken Wings
Air fryers are small and can only cook a limited number of wings at a time. They also vary in quality, with some people reporting that their air fryer did not cook the wings properly, or that the wings burned.
The Pros of Using an Oven for Chicken Wings
Ovens can cook a larger number of wings at once.
The Cons of Using an Oven for Chicken Wings
Ovens take longer to cook wings and do not always produce the same crispiness as an air fryer. They also heat up the entire house and are more cumbersome to clean.
Air fryers are a great option for those who want to cook smaller batches of chicken wings that are crispy and full of flavour. They are faster and more convenient than ovens, though they may not be as reliable in terms of cooking the wings evenly. Ovens are better for cooking larger batches of wings but may not produce the same crispiness, and they are less convenient overall.
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Chicken wings in an air fryer vs. a deep fryer
Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but they can be time-consuming to make and messy to deep fry. Using an air fryer or a deep fryer can speed up the process and reduce the mess. Here is a comparison of the two methods:
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. They are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer's circulating hot air creates a crispy skin that cannot be achieved in a conventional oven.
Pros:
- Healthier than deep-fried wings
- Faster cooking time (less than 20 minutes)
- Less messy
- No breading needed, making it low-carb and gluten-free
- Easy to make
Cons:
- May need to cook wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer
- May not fit as many wings as a deep fryer
- Requires an air fryer appliance
Deep Fryer Chicken Wings
Deep-fried chicken wings are the traditional way to prepare this dish. They are crispy, juicy, and full of flavour.
Pros:
- Can cook a large batch of wings at once
- Crispy and juicy texture
- Traditional method may be preferred by some
Cons:
- Less healthy due to the use of more oil
- Messy process
- Longer cooking time
- Requires a deep fryer appliance or a pot of hot oil
Both methods have their advantages, but air frying is a healthier, faster, and less messy alternative to deep frying. It is also more convenient if you already have an air fryer. However, if you are looking for a traditional crispy and juicy wing, deep frying may be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the equipment you have available.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes less than 20 minutes to heat up chicken wings in an air fryer.
Set the temperature of your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
To make chicken wings crispy, pat them dry before seasoning and ensure they are not overlapping in the air fryer.
Yes, you can reheat chicken wings in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.