Air Fryer Party Wings: Timing For Perfection

Chicken wings are a great snack for parties and get-togethers. You can make them in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the wings. It is recommended to cook wings in a single layer, not stacked on top of each other, to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

1. Cut the wings into pieces.

2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F/193°C for 3 minutes.

3. Prepare the air fryer basket, if needed, after preheating.

4. Place the wings in a large bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well.

5. Add the seasoned wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer.

6. Air fry the wings at 380°F/193°C for 20 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes.

7. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispy skin.

8. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F.

9. Carefully remove the wings from the air fryer and toss them in your favorite sauce.

10. Serve with your favorite sides.

How to prep chicken wings for the air fryer

Preparing chicken wings for the air fryer is a simple process that will have you enjoying your favorite snack in no time! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep chicken wings for the air fryer:

Step 1: Defrost the Chicken Wings

If your chicken wings are frozen, be sure to defrost them before cooking. The best way to do this is by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Step 2: Separate the Wings

Once your chicken wings are defrosted, it's time to separate them. You'll want to separate the drums and flats (the two parts of the wing). This will ensure even cooking and make it easier to coat them with your chosen seasonings.

Step 3: Pat the Wings Dry

This step is crucial! Be sure to pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure that your wings get nice and crispy in the air fryer.

Step 4: Season the Wings

Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can use a basic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with your favorite spices. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This will ensure your air fryer is ready to go when you're done prepping the wings.

Step 6: Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. This will allow for even cooking and help achieve that crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

And that's it! You're now ready to cook your chicken wings in the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness, and enjoy your delicious, crispy wings!

How to make a dry rub for chicken wings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 2 teaspoons of oregano
• 2 teaspoons of coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ancho chili powder (can increase for more spice)
• ½ teaspoon of ground pepper
• 2 pounds of chicken wings
• Salt to taste

Method

• Combine the coconut sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, coriander, ancho chili powder, and ground pepper in a large bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
• Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to ensure they are fully coated.
• If you are using an air fryer, spritz the chicken with cooking oil.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the wings do not overlap.
• Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
• If you are using an oven, preheat to 400°F and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Lay the dry-rubbed wings onto the wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, until crispy.

How to make a sauce for chicken wings

Chicken wings are a delicious snack, perfect for a party or a game-day snack. Here is a simple recipe for a sauce to go with your chicken wings.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce

This sauce is a blend of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices. It is inspired by the original recipe from Buffalo, New York, and is usually served with chicken wings.

Ingredients:

• Hot Sauce: Use a cayenne pepper hot sauce like Frank's RedHot, Crystal Hot Sauce, or Tabasco.
• Butter: This adds a velvety smooth richness to the sauce.
• Vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice adds a tangy punch to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: For a powerful bite. You can also use fresh grated garlic.

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a pot and place it over medium heat.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring with a whisk.
• As soon as the liquid begins to bubble, remove the pot from the heat and set it aside.
• Whisk the sauce until it is smooth and blended.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Tips for Making the Sauce:

• You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• If the sauce separates over time, simply shake or stir it before using.

Other Sauce Ideas:

• Honey Garlic Sauce: Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic powder.
• BBQ Sauce: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and your favorite BBQ spices.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: A blend of sweet and spicy, perfect for an Asian-inspired dish.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Classic dipping sauces for chicken wings.

How to cook chicken wings in the air fryer

Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings and take a fraction of the time to cook compared to baking. They are also incredibly easy to make and only require a handful of ingredients, most of which you will already have in your pantry.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Your favourite dips and sauces

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 completely. This is important so they get crispy.
• Place the wings into a bowl and add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to cover the wings.
• Feel free to use your favourite seasoning blend.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for a few minutes.
• Add the wings in a single layer to the air fryer (they should not be touching) and cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• After the timer goes off, open and carefully flip over the chicken wings.
• Close the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes.
• Remove the chicken wings and serve with your favourite dips and sides.

Tips:

• To store wings, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, add back to the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes.
• If you prefer your wings with sauce, try tossing them in a buffalo sauce, or serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

How to store leftover chicken wings

Leftover chicken wings are a great snack and can be stored for later consumption. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover chicken wings to maintain their original flavour and texture.

Refrigeration

Leftover chicken wings should be stored in the refrigerator if you plan on eating them within the next few days. Before placing them in the refrigerator, ensure the wings are placed in airtight, sealed containers. Chicken wings, if properly packaged, can be stored for up to three to four days in the fridge. The optimal refrigerator temperature for storing chicken wings is 40°F or below.

Freezing

If you don't intend to consume the leftover chicken wings within a few days, you can store them in the freezer for a later date. Freezing cooked chicken wings can preserve them indefinitely, but for best results, consume them within six months to avoid any deterioration that may affect taste and texture. When freezing, use a vacuum sealer to seal the packaging, which will prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

When reheating chicken wings, it is essential to ensure they remain crispy. Using an air fryer is an excellent option for achieving crispy wings. First, remove the wings from the refrigerator and let them reach room temperature. Place the wings in the air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and warm the wings for 3 to 4 minutes.

Alternatively, you can reheat chicken wings in a conventional oven or a frying pan. When using an oven, preheat it to 350°F and place the wings on a baking pan. Spritz the wings with water to prevent them from drying out and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. For a frying pan, let the wings reach room temperature and add one to two tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Turn the heat to high and fry the wings for about three minutes, turning them halfway through.

Frequently asked questions