Maximize Your Air Fryer: How Many Wings Can Fit?

Chicken wings are a delicious snack, appetiser, or meal, and they can be made in an air fryer! But how many wings can you fit in an air fryer?

The answer depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of the wings. Most recipes recommend cooking wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and you should not overcrowd the basket. You also want to make sure the wings are not touching, or only touching slightly, so that air can circulate and make the wings crispy.

Some air fryers are basket-style, while others are more like a toaster oven with racks. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. If you have a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may be able to cook more wings at once, especially if you have multiple racks.

The number of wings you can fit in your air fryer will also depend on the size of the wings. You can buy chicken wings that are already separated into drummettes and wingettes, or you can buy whole wings and separate them yourself. You can also buy wings that are already cut into flats and drumsticks.

So, how many wings can you fit in an air fryer? It depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of the wings, but typically you can fit around 10-20 wings in a single layer in a basket-style air fryer, and more in a toaster oven-style air fryer, especially if you have multiple racks.

How to cut chicken wings for the air fryer

Chicken wings can be bought pre-cut into drumettes and wingettes, but they are usually cheaper if bought whole. To cut a chicken wing, first locate the joints between the wing tip, the middle section (drumette), and the end section (the flat). Using a sharp knife, cut into the joints to separate the wing into three pieces. You can save the wing tips for stock or discard them—you'll only need the drumettes and flats for air frying.

Once you've cut your wings, you can season them with oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. You can also marinate the wings for extra flavour. Just be sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings or marinades—this will help them get nice and crispy in the air fryer.

After your wings are seasoned or marinated, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 8-12 minutes, or until crispy.

How to season chicken wings for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to season your chicken wings:

• Chicken wings
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt

Steps to Follow

• Place the chicken wings into a gallon-size Ziplock bag. Alternatively, you could place them in a large bowl.
• Drizzle roughly a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt over the chicken wings.
• Seal the Ziplock bag, keeping the air inside, and give it a good shake to evenly coat the wings. If you are using a bowl, toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF.
• Add the wings to the air fryer basket, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, in a single layer. The wings can touch but should not overlap.
• Air fry the wings for 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Increase the heat to 390ºF and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the wings are brown and crispy.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauces and enjoy!

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer. Air circulation is essential for crispy wings, so ensure there is enough space for air to circulate freely.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. Wings come in various sizes, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• For the crispiest skin, dunk your wings in sauce rather than tossing them in a bowl.

How long to cook chicken wings in the air fryer

Chicken wings are a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious meal or snack. Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook chicken wings, as they make the skin super crispy, while keeping the center perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy.

The cooking time for air-fried chicken wings varies depending on the size of the wings and the desired level of crispiness. On average, it takes around 16 to 24 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer.

Step-by-step guide to cooking chicken wings in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken wings

Start by separating the wings into drums and flats if they come whole. Make sure the wings are defrosted and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this will help them get crispy.

Step 2: Season the chicken wings

Place the wings in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Air fry the chicken wings

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips or sauces. Enjoy!

Tips for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's better to cook the wings in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Shake the air fryer basket periodically during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the wings from sticking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of your wings. Smaller wings may require less time, while larger wings may need a few extra minutes.
• For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking.

How to store leftover chicken wings

Chicken wings are a delicious treat, but it's important to store leftovers properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover chicken wings:

Storing Cooked Chicken Wings:

It is recommended to let the cooked chicken wings cool down to room temperature before placing them in the fridge. This helps prevent bacteria growth and maintains food safety. Use airtight containers or wrap the wings tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and contamination. Label the containers with the date to keep track of their freshness. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 4°C or below to inhibit bacterial growth.

According to the USDA and FDA, cooked chicken wings will typically last 3-4 days in the fridge if stored correctly. It is recommended to consume leftover wings within a couple of days to ensure the best quality, texture, and taste.

Signs of Spoilage:

It is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming leftover chicken wings. Fresh chicken wings should have a mild, neutral odour. If they emit a sour, ammonia-like, or unpleasant smell, they have likely spoiled. Fresh chicken wings are usually pinkish. If they appear grey, green, or have dark spots, they may be unsafe to eat. Spoiled chicken wings can also feel slimy or sticky, whereas fresh wings should have a smooth texture.

Reheating Cooked Wings:

There are a few ways to reheat leftover chicken wings. You can use an oven, air fryer, or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 177°C and line the wings on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the air fryer, set it to 177°C and place the wings in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6 minutes, adding time as needed. You can also reheat in the microwave until heated through. Ensure the wings reach a minimum internal temperature of 74°C to kill off any bacteria.

Freezing Cooked Chicken Wings:

If you don't think you'll eat the leftover wings within a few days, it's best to freeze them. Let the wings cool to room temperature, then lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen wings to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and consume within 2-3 months for the best texture and flavour.

By following these instructions, you can safely store and enjoy leftover chicken wings!

How to reheat leftover chicken wings

If you have leftover chicken wings, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

When you're ready to reheat them, you can use your air fryer! Simply place the wings in the air fryer basket and heat them at 360°F for 4 minutes, or until they're heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you prefer.

It's important to note that you should only reheat the chicken wings once, and they should be enjoyed in one sitting after reheating.

Frequently asked questions