Air Fryer Chicken Wings: How Long To Fry?

Chicken wings are a popular snack, appetizer, or meal, and they can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the wings crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

The first step is to pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, season the wings with a simple dry rub of everyday spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of oil to help the skin crisp up.

Preheat the air fryer to between 360-400°F, then cook the wings for 10 minutes. After that, flip the wings and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

How to get the crispiest wings

There's nothing better than a plate of crispy chicken wings, and with an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispiness without the need for deep frying. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your wings turn out crispy and delicious every time:

Dry the Wings

One of the most important steps to achieving crispy wings is to ensure they are thoroughly dried before cooking. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry, removing any excess moisture. This step will help the skin puff up and blister in the air fryer, resulting in that coveted crispy texture.

Use a Single Layer

When placing the wings in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even cooking. If you need to cook a large batch, it's better to cook them in multiple batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to getting that crispy texture. Most air fryers do not require a long preheat time, so a few minutes should be sufficient. Check your air fryer's instructions for the recommended preheat time and temperature.

Flip the Wings

Don't forget to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Depending on the size of your wings and your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

Use a Dry Rub

A dry rub or seasoning blend can enhance the flavour and crispiness of your wings. A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper can be tossed with the wings before air frying. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs to create your own signature blend.

Avoid Overcrowding

As mentioned earlier, overcrowding the air fryer can impact the crispiness of your wings. Leave enough space between the wings to allow hot air to circulate freely. If you're cooking for a crowd, cook the wings in batches to ensure the best results.

Adjust the Temperature

If your air fryer has adjustable temperature settings, you can play around with the temperature to find the perfect setting for crispy wings. A temperature of around 400°F is typically ideal for achieving that crispy exterior and juicy interior. You can also try increasing the temperature during the final minutes of cooking to give the wings an extra crisp boost.

Use Baking Powder

Baking powder is a secret ingredient that can take your crispy wings to the next level. When mixed with the wings and other seasonings, baking powder reacts with the chicken skin, raising its pH level and creating tiny air bubbles. This results in a paper-thin, crisp exterior. Just a small amount, such as half a teaspoon per pound of wings, can make a noticeable difference.

Don't Overcook

While it's important to cook the wings thoroughly, be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in dry and tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheat Properly

If you have leftover wings, you can reheat them in the air fryer to retain their crispiness. Set the air fryer to 360°F and reheat the wings for 4 minutes or until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can dry out the wings and affect their texture.

How to season your wings

There are many ways to season your chicken wings before air frying them. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:

Pat the Wings Dry

Use a paper towel to pat the wings dry and remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy during the air frying process. If the wings are too moist, they will steam instead of crisping up.

Choose Your Seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour your chicken wings. Here are some common options:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• White pepper
• Baking powder
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Ground mustard
• Cayenne pepper

Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together. You can also add oil to the mixture to create a wet rub.

Coat the Wings

Place the wings in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add the oil and toss until the wings are well coated. Then, add the seasoning mix and toss again until the wings are evenly coated.

Air Fry the Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the wings in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure they are not touching or stacked on top of each other. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

Sauce the Wings (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavour to your wings, you can toss them in your favourite sauce after air frying. Some popular options include:

• Buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Honey-soy sauce

How long to cook wings in an air fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken wings, and they are also quicker to make than oven-baked wings. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the skin of the wings super crispy, and the inside is tender and juicy.

It takes between 16 to 24 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the weight of the wings and the model of the air fryer. For example, it takes 23-24 minutes to cook 2 pounds of chicken wings in a large air fryer.

Steps to Make Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer:

First, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and olive oil. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Wings:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The wings should be in a single layer, and it's okay if they are touching but not overlapping.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. If your wings are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time at a lower temperature to render the fat and cook them through.
• Don't toss the wings in sauce before serving. For the crispiest skin, dunk the wings in the sauce of your choice instead of tossing them in a bowl.

How to store and reheat leftover wings

Storing and reheating leftover chicken wings is easy! Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Storing Leftover Wings

• If you want to eat the leftover wings the next day or later the same week, the best place to store them is in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-5 days.
• Another option is to store them in the freezer. Cooked chicken wings will keep in the regular freezer for 3 months and in a deep freezer for up to 1 year. Let the wings thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before reheating them.

Reheating Wings in the Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 375°F.
• Remove the wings from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while the air fryer preheats.
• Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Place one layer of chicken wings on the lined basket.
• Reheat for 2-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• For extra crispiness, spritz the wings with cooking spray or oil while reheating.
• It is best to serve the wings immediately after reheating.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.
• This method works for both bone-in and boneless wings.

Other Ways to Reheat Wings

• In the oven: Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-6 minutes on each side until heated through.
• In a skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the wings and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through, until heated through.
• In the microwave: Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overcook.

How to prevent soggy wings

How to Prevent Soggy Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. However, there are a few pitfalls that can lead to soggy wings. Here are some tips to ensure your wings turn out crispy and delicious:

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer

Always arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it is crucial to allow space for proper airflow. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Cooking similar-sized pieces together will ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Pat the Wings Dry

Before seasoning or marinating your wings, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential, as it helps the wings get crispy.

Use Dry Breading Instead of Wet Batter

Traditional deep frying methods involve open cooking, which expels moisture from wet foods. In contrast, air fryers are enclosed appliances, so excess moisture can lead to soggy results. Avoid using wet batter and opt for a dry breading instead.

Add Sauce After Cooking

If you're craving saucy or sticky wings, be sure to add the sauce after the wings are cooked. Adding sauce before cooking can lead to dripping, which can cause smoking and unpleasant aromas. Brush your favourite sauce on the fully cooked wings for the best results.

Increase Temperature During Cooking

Increasing the temperature during the final minutes of cooking can help ensure crispiness. You can cook at a consistent temperature throughout for convenience, but a slight temperature increase towards the end will make the wings even crispier.

Frequently asked questions