Air Fryer Chicken Wings: How Long To Fry?

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together with friends or a game night. Air frying chicken wings is a convenient and quick way to prepare this dish, resulting in irresistibly crispy and juicy wings. The air fryer's magic lies in its ability to create a fuss-free and mess-free cooking experience, making it a popular choice for those who want to enjoy delicious wings without the hassle.

Preparing chicken wings in an air fryer is a simple process. It involves coating the wings with a mixture of spices and olive oil, air frying them for a specified time, and then serving them with your favorite sauce. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

The beauty of air fryer chicken wings lies in their versatility when it comes to seasonings and sauces. You can experiment with different combinations of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and baking powder. Additionally, you can pair your wings with various sauces, including buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce, to create unique flavor profiles.

Whether you're a seasoned air fryer user or a beginner, chicken wings are an excellent dish to add to your repertoire. They are easy to prepare, flavorful, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So, get your air fryer ready and indulge in the crispy, juicy goodness of air fryer chicken wings!

How to make whole chicken wings in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil spray
• Chicken seasoning (or a dry rub of your choice)
• Meat thermometer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F and lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
• Wash the chicken wings under running water, then pat dry with paper towels.
• Put the chicken wings in a large bowl and spray/drizzle some olive oil on them. Then, rub your chosen seasoning/dry rub over each wing. The olive oil will help the seasoning stick.
• Place each whole chicken wing in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, then use tongs to flip each wing.
• Air fry for another 5–10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your wings.
• Check the chicken is cooked by inserting a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165°F.
• Take the wings out and let them sit for a few minutes.
• Serve with your favourite sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
• To make them crispy again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for five minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F for another five minutes.
• Serve with pepper sauce, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, or ranch dip.
• Always check the chicken is cooked with a meat thermometer. A reading of 165°F shows the chicken is safe to eat.

How long to cook whole chicken wings in an air fryer

Chicken wings are a delicious snack or meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy skin and juicy meat. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how long to cook whole chicken wings in an air fryer, so you can enjoy perfectly cooked wings every time.

Preparing the Chicken Wings for the Air Fryer

First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken wings. Start by washing the wings under running water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure crispy skin on your wings.

Next, place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the wings and toss to coat them evenly. You can also spray the wings with olive oil or use melted butter instead.

Seasoning the Chicken Wings

Now it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can use a dry rub of your choice or make your own seasoning mix. A simple seasoning mix could include garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and baking powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and use your hands to rub it in, ensuring the wings are well coated.

Cooking the Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Once your wings are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Close the air fryer and let the wings cook for 10 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip each wing and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your wings. For extra crispy wings, air fry for the full 10 minutes after flipping.

To ensure your chicken wings are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The wings are done when the thermometer reads 165°F.

Serving the Chicken Wings

Once your chicken wings are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the wings to cool slightly. Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as pepper sauce, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, or ranch dip.

You can also pair your wings with some fresh celery sticks, broccoli, or a salad on the side.

Tips for Cooking Whole Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

• Always pat the chicken wings dry before cooking to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help the wings crisp up faster and better.
• If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken wings. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F.
• For extra crispy wings, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• You can also cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. Simply extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes or thaw the wings before seasoning and cooking.

How to serve air-fried whole chicken wings

Air-fried chicken wings are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that's perfect for any occasion, from game nights to casual get-togethers. Here's how you can serve them:

Preparing the Chicken Wings

Start by preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken wings by patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it ensures that your chicken wings will turn out crispy. Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also use alternative oils such as avocado oil, which has a high smoking point, making it ideal for air frying.

Seasoning the Chicken Wings

The seasoning for your chicken wings can be as simple or as creative as you like. A basic seasoning mix includes garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper. You can also add baking powder to the mix, which will help make your wings even crispier. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings, ensuring they are well coated, and use your hands to massage the seasoning into the wings for better flavour.

Cooking the Chicken Wings

Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket as this can affect how crispy your wings turn out. Air fry the wings for approximately 12 minutes, then flip them over using tongs. Air fry the wings for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating that they are cooked through.

Serving the Chicken Wings

Once your chicken wings are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let the wings cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to settle and the wings to crisp up further. Serve the wings with your favourite sauce. Some popular options include buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dip.

Variations and Sides

You can experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create a variety of flavours. For a tangy kick, toss the wings in lemon pepper seasoning before air frying. If you're a fan of garlic, sprinkle the wings with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also pair the wings with delicious BBQ sauce or a creamy ranch pasta salad on the side.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover chicken wings, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat, simply place the wings back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F for another 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Variations for whole chicken wings in an air fryer

There are several ways to vary the cooking of whole chicken wings in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Spices and Seasonings:

• A dry rub of your choice can be used to spice up the wings. For example, a homemade chicken seasoning made with peppers, aromatics, and herbs can be rubbed on the wings before cooking.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are also popular spice combinations for chicken wings.
• For a zesty flavour, try using lemon pepper or a lemon pepper seasoning blend.
• Other seasonings like cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or ranch dressing mix can be added to the wings before or after cooking for an extra kick.

Cooking Techniques:

• Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 360-400°F before adding the wings, while others recommend placing the wings in a cold air fryer and then turning it on.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the wings. Most recipes suggest cooking the wings for 10-12 minutes on each side, but some recommend longer cooking times for crispier wings.
• It is important to ensure that the wings are not overcrowded in the air fryer to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Cooking in batches may be necessary.
• Flipping the wings halfway through the cooking process is recommended to ensure even cooking and browning.

Dipping Sauces and Sides:

• Chicken wings can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, blue cheese dip, ranch dip, Thai sweet chili sauce, or hot honey.
• Fresh celery sticks, broccoli, or salad can be served on the side to balance out the richness of the wings.
• For an Asian-inspired flavour, a tangy lime cilantro soy sauce can be paired with the wings.
• For a more traditional flavour profile, a dairy-free buttermilk ranch dressing can be served on the side.

Can you air fry frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. In fact, it is a great way to cook them, resulting in tender meat on the inside with a crispy skin.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to use a dry rub or breading on the wings for added flavour. You can also just use salt and pepper to season, or add a sauce at the end. Secondly, you will need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the wings are cooked through. This will depend on your air fryer and the number of wings you are cooking, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes in total. It is important to check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a safe temperature of 165°F. Finally, if your wings are packed in ice, you may need to drain some water from the air fryer during the cooking process.

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken wings
• Olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper, or your choice of seasoning/dry rub
• Your choice of sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• Place a single layer of frozen chicken wings in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Lightly spray the wings with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or your choice of seasoning/dry rub.
• Air fry at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the number of wings, so be sure to check on them regularly.
• If desired, toss the cooked wings in your choice of sauce and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions