Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Cooking Time And Tricks

How Long to Roast Whole Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a quick and easy way to make juicy, tender, and crispy wings. They are a healthier alternative to deep-frying and take less time than an oven. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the skin super crisp, and the centre is perfectly cooked.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?

It takes between 16 to 25 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer. The time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the air fryer model.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Wings

- Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.

- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

- Season the wings with a mixture of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.

- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until crispy.

- Serve with your favourite dipping sauce!

How to prep the chicken wings for the air fryer

Preparing chicken wings for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Defrosting and Separating the Wings:

• If you are using frozen chicken wings, make sure to defrost them by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Once defrosted, separate the wings into drums and flats.

Drying the Wings:

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings get crispy during cooking.

Marinating the Wings:

• Place the wings in a large bowl and add your choice of seasonings and oil. You can use a basic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other spices like white pepper, lemon pepper, or smoked paprika.
• Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the marinade.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes before cooking.

Cooking the Wings:

• Place the marinated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
• Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, open the air fryer, carefully flip the wings, and cook for an additional 6-12 minutes at the same temperature until they are crispy and golden brown.

Serving the Wings:

• Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dips or sauces, such as ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce.
• You can also garnish them with chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.

How to make the chicken wings crispy

How to Make Chicken Wings Crispy in an Air Fryer

Making chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy wings without the need for deep frying. Here are some tips and tricks to make the crispiest chicken wings in your air fryer.

Pat the Wings Dry

Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer. This will remove any excess moisture and help them get nice and crispy.

Use Baking Powder

Adding a little baking powder to the seasoning mixture will help create an extra crispy skin on the finished wings. The baking powder reacts with the chicken skin by raising its pH level and creating tiny air bubbles, which also help form a crispy coating.

Single Layer

Ensure the wings are in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little room between them. This allows for air to circulate freely and helps the wings cook evenly and get crispy.

Toss the Wings

Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes during cooking for even cooking and crispiness.

Increase the Temperature

For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes of cooking.

How long to cook the chicken wings in the air fryer

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer varies depending on the weight and size of the wings, the temperature of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness. However, on average, it takes between 16 to 25 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer.

Cooking Time Based on Weight

For 1 pound of chicken wings, it takes around 16 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. For 2 pounds of chicken wings, the cooking time is approximately 23 to 24 minutes.

Cooking Time Based on Temperature

Most recipes recommend cooking chicken wings in an air fryer at a temperature between 360°F to 400°F. Cooking at a lower temperature of 360°F for a longer duration helps render the fat and skin, while finishing the wings at a higher temperature of 390°F to 400°F ensures they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Wings

• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to remove excess moisture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
• Shake or flip the wings during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Increase the temperature towards the end of the cooking time to achieve a crispier texture.
• For extra crispiness, toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce instead of coating them before air frying.

What temperature to cook the chicken wings in the air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is 400°F. The wings should be cooked for 10 minutes at this temperature, after which the temperature should be increased to 400°F for another 8-12 minutes. The wings will be cooked to perfection with a golden-brown exterior and a juicy interior.

How to store leftover chicken wings

To store leftover chicken wings, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will last for up to four days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the wings for up to four months. When you're ready to eat the wings, you can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, frying pan, or microwave.

Frequently asked questions