Air Fryer Chicken Wings: How Many Can Fit?

Air fryers come in different sizes, so the number of chicken wings that can fit in an air fryer varies. A 3-quart air fryer can fit about half a dozen chicken wings, while a 6-quart air fryer can fit about 12 chicken wings. If you have a larger air fryer, you can fit more wings, but it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

How to make chicken wings in an air fryer

Chicken wings are a great snack for a party or a quick weeknight dinner. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. Here is a simple recipe to make crispy and juicy chicken wings in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 12 whole wings (cut into pieces to make 24 wings)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (or your favourite sauce)

Method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F/ 193°C for 3 minutes. Prepare the air fryer basket if needed after preheating.
• Cut the wings into pieces so that you have 24 wings.
• Place the wings in a large bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well.
• Add the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Air Fry Wings at 380°F/ 193°C for 20 minutes, flipping the wings every 5 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F/ 204°C and cook for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispy skin. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F/74°C.
• Carefully remove the air fryer wings from the air fryer, toss in your favourite sauce, and serve with your favourite sides.

Tips:

• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before getting started.
• Add a little baking powder to the mixture to make the wings extra crispy.
• Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes for even cooking and crispiness.
• Increase the temperature towards the end of the cooking time to get juicy chicken with crispy skin.

Tips to make crispy wings in the air fryer

• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Add a little baking powder to the mixture. Baking powder is what helps make the skin crispy.
• Ensure the wings are in a single layer with a little room between them so they cook evenly and the skin can get crispy.
• Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes for even cooking and crispiness.
• Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes for extra crispy skin.

Variations of chicken wing flavors

Ranch Wings

Add melted butter, dry dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil to your wings and toss them in a large bowl. Spread the wings on a sheet tray and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°.

Lemon Pepper Wings

Add olive oil, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and salt to your wings and toss them in a large bowl. Spread the wings on a sheet tray and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°.

Cheddar and Scallion Wings

Toss the wings with olive oil, pepper, and salt. Spread the wings on a sheet tray and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°. Once they are done, whisk together some melted butter, powdered cheese, and green onions and coat the cooked wings with this mixture.

Dr. Pepper Wings

Add Dr. Pepper, soy sauce, sugar, and melted butter to your wings and toss them in a large bowl. Marinate overnight. Spread the wings on a sheet tray and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°.

Crispy Chicken Wings

Pat your wings dry and dredge them in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and/or baking powder. This will give your wings a super crispy texture.

Classic Buffalo Wings

Cook your wings in the air fryer or on the stove until they are golden brown. Coat them in melted butter and hot sauce. Serve with crunchy celery and blue cheese dressing.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Hot Honey Glaze

Glaze your wings with a mixture of butter, hot honey, and lemon pepper. Bake them in the air fryer until they are crispy.

Filipino-inspired Wings

Make a marinade with onion, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and bay leaves. After roasting the wings, garnish them with scallions, cilantro, and serrano peppers.

Dakgangjeong (Korean Fried Chicken with Soy Sauce)

Coat your wings in potato starch for an extra crunchy texture. Make a sauce with brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and jalapeños. Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and chrysanthemum greens.

Crispy Garlic-Glazed Chicken Wings

Make a stir-fried mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Coat your wings in this mixture and top them with fried garlic and scallions.

Limoncello-Marinated Chicken Wings with Pepperoni Sauce

Marinate your wings in limoncello and serve them with a pepperoni sauce.

Sticky Baked Chicken Wings

Bake your wings until they are lightly browned. Coat them in a gochujang glaze and put them back in the oven until they are slightly charred.

Huli Huli Chicken Wings

Add a tropical twist to your wings with pineapple juice and grilled pineapple slices. Include some ginger and huli huli sauce for a smoky, caramelized flavor.

Honey-Chile Chicken Wings

Coat your wings in honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper.

Spicy Sriracha Chicken Wings

Add some spice to your wings with sriracha. Serve with a lager to balance out the heat.

Chicken Wings with Angry Sauce

Use gochujang (chili paste) and gochugaru (chili powder) to create a sweet and spicy sauce for your wings.

Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

Make a sauce with butter, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Coat your wings in this sauce and serve.

Tomato-Glazed Chicken Wings

Puree roasted tomatoes with olive oil and mild goat cheese to make a tomato sauce. Add a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick. Coat your wings in this sauce and serve.

Smokin' Sweet Chicken Wings with Cherry Barbecue Glaze

Make a barbecue glaze with cherry preserves and habanero chile. Coat your grilled wings in this sauce and serve.

Maple-Bacon Chicken Wings

Make a glaze with maple syrup and bacon. Coat your fried wings in this glaze and serve.

Ike's Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings

Try out this umami-packed recipe inspired by a roadside stand in Saigon.

Pineapple-Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Coat your wings in a homemade pineapple-teriyaki glaze or serve the glaze as a dipping sauce on the side.

One-Pot Sticky Chicken Wings

Check out this Chinese-style sticky wing recipe by Andrew Zimmern.

Hill Country Smoked Chicken Wings with Texas Ranch Dressing

Smoke your wings with hickory or applewood chips after coating them with a sweet and spicy rub. Serve with ranch dressing or a smoky lager.

Coconut-Curry Chicken Wings

Make a marinade with coconut milk, curry paste, and lime.

Ginger and Honey Chicken Wings

Add honey, ginger juice, salted roasted peanuts, and lime to your wings for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Lampe's Chicken Wings with Sweet and Spicy Pantry Sauce

Slash the inside of the joints and coat the wings with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Jalapeño Chicken Wings

Add pickled jalapeños and Tapatio hot sauce to your fried wings for an extra kick.

Cumin-Spiced Chicken Wings

Add ground cumin, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin seeds to your fried wings.

Garlicky Chicken Wings

Coat your crispy wings in a chile-garlic glaze. Include apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in the glaze.

FAQs for chicken wings in the air fryer

The number of wings that can fit in an air fryer depends on the size of the air fryer. A 3-quart air fryer can fit about half a dozen chicken wings, while a 6-quart air fryer can fit about 12 wings. It is important to ensure that the wings are not overcrowded in the air fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and crispiness of the wings.

At what temperature should I air fry chicken wings?

The ideal temperature for air frying chicken wings is between 360-410°F. Cooking the wings at a higher temperature will result in juicier meat and crispier skin.

It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer at 400-410°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the specific air fryer being used.

Using baking powder when cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is recommended as it helps to draw out moisture from the skin and makes the wings crispier. However, some people may be sensitive to the taste of aluminum in baking powder, so it is optional.

Yes, chicken wings can be made in the oven by baking them at 425°F for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, the results may vary, and the cooking time may be longer than in an air fryer.

Leftover air fryer chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the wings in the air fryer at 360°F for 4 minutes, or until heated through. It is best to only reheat the wings once and consume them in one sitting.

Yes, cooked chicken wings can be frozen. Let them cool to room temperature, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw the wings overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer or oven.

What other appetizers and sides can I serve with wings?

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and appetizers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dipping Sauces

• Buffalo Sauce: A classic choice, with varying levels of heat and tanginess.
• Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: This creamy dip balances the spice of wings beautifully.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: A tangy and pungent dip that pairs well with hot wings.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, a delightful contrast to spicy wings.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, smoky, or spicy—adding depth to the wings.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory option that complements wings, with green onions for added flavor.
• Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and creamy, offering a kick to the wings.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky—a luxurious option.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy—a unique twist for dipping wings.
• Soy-Ginger Glaze: A flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings that work wonders with wings.

Sides

• Cornbread: Fluffy, buttery, and moist—cornbread is the perfect addition to a family dinner.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits: These gluten-free biscuits are a tasty treat.
• Parmesan Bread Bites: Soft and buttery on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, topped with parsley and parmesan cheese.
• Cheesy-Stuffed Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls: Simple and filled with mozzarella cheese—the perfect combination of carbs and cheese.
• Carrot Salad: Crunchy, sweet, and zesty—a non-mayo carrot salad is a refreshing summer side dish.
• Coleslaw: A classic, crunchy side that pairs well with wings.
• Macaroni Salad: A cold, creamy, and crunchy salad that can be made in just 15 minutes.
• Fruit Salad: Filled with fresh fruit and topped with a lemony vanilla simple syrup.
• Mac and Cheese: Classic comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and a perfect cushion for spicy or tangy wings.
• Potato Salad: Creamy and egg-free, with potatoes, onions, and celery tossed in a vinegary mayonnaise dressing.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky, with a tangy sauce—the perfect barbecue side dish.
• Twice-Baked Potatoes: Filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and chives—the perfect appetizer or side dish.
• Air Fryer French Fries: Super easy and delicious, these fries are a perfect side for wings.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: A quick and easy way to get crispy fries, perfect for dipping.
• Homemade Kettle Chips with Onion Dill Dip: Light, crispy, and easy to make.
• Baked Potato: An inexpensive, crowd-pleasing side that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
• Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Buttery, crispy, and loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
• Cajun Sweet Potato Tots with Creamy Cinnamon Dip: Crispy, tasty, and perfect for dipping.
• Cowboy Caviar: A Tex-Mex-inspired dip that's perfect on its own, with chips, or spooned onto tacos.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: Easy to make and always a hit—the perfect appetizer.
• Classic Guacamole: Avocados and lime juice make this fail-proof dip a winner at any party.
• Hot Onion Dip: A simple, three-ingredient dip that's perfect for game day or holiday buffets.
• Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese: A flavorful spread for bagels, crackers, or sandwiches.
• Everything Bagel Stuffed Peppers: An easy, low-carb snack or appetizer with just three ingredients.
• Fried Zucchini: A delicious and addictive side or appetizer, perfect for zucchini season.
• Bacon-Wrapped Mushrooms: Filled with blue cheese, these are an incredible appetizer or side dish.
• Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with sausage, cheese, and herbs—a fancy and delicious option for a dinner party.
• Pigs in a Blanket: A classic and easy appetizer that's perfect for kids and adults alike.

Frequently asked questions