Air Fryer Chicken Wings: How Many Can Fit?

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers offer a shortcut to making crispy, juicy wings with less oil and fat.

Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, and they can be made in minutes. The circulating hot air in the air fryer makes the skin super crisp, which is hard to achieve in a conventional oven.

While the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings, most recipes recommend air frying at around 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping the wings, and then air frying for another 8-12 minutes.

Some recipes also include a dry rub or seasoning with ingredients like garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, onion powder, and baking powder, which reacts with the chicken skin to make it extra crispy.

So, how many chicken wings can an air fryer oven hold? It depends on the size of the air fryer and the size of the wings. It's important to ensure the wings are in a single layer with enough space for air to circulate, so they don't steam and become soggy. You may need to cook the wings in batches to achieve the best crispness.

How to get the crispiest wings

• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Use a little baking powder to make the wings crispier.
• Lay the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between them to allow for air to circulate freely.
• Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes for even cooking and crispiness.
• Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes of cooking to get extra crispy skin.

How to cook chicken wings in an air fryer oven

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Method:

• Prep the chicken wings by separating them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Place the wings into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to completely coat the wings.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
• Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Air fry the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them over.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the wings with your favorite dips or sauces, such as ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce.

Tips for crispy wings:

• Ensure the wings are completely dry before seasoning and air frying.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed.
• Be flexible with the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the size of the wings.
• If you want to add sauce to your wings, consider dunking them in the sauce rather than tossing them in a bowl to maintain crispiness.

How to season chicken wings for an air fryer oven

Preparing chicken wings in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying or cooking in an oven. The air fryer's speed and temperature create a very crisp skin that cannot be achieved in an oven.

• Pat the chicken wings dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the wings. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
• Season the chicken wings: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and add the desired seasonings. For a basic seasoning, you can use olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add hot sauce to the marinade if you prefer spicy wings.
• Marinate the chicken wings: Allow the seasoned chicken wings to rest for at least 30 minutes so that the flavours can penetrate the meat.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-400°F.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer: Ensure that the wings are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the chicken wings: Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of wings, the cooking time may vary. For a pound of chicken wings, cook them for about 10 minutes at 380°F, and then increase the temperature to 400°F for an additional 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the chicken wings: You can enjoy the wings as is, or toss them in your favourite sauce, such as hot sauce, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Some additional tips for making crispy chicken wings in an air fryer:

• Use a non-stick cooking spray to coat the air fryer basket before placing the wings.
• Line up the chicken wings standing upright along the sides of the air fryer to fit more wings in a single layer.
• Increase the temperature during the last few minutes of cooking for extra crispness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if necessary.

How to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer oven

Preparation

Take your leftover chicken wings out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–360°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each wing to allow the hot air to circulate.

Reheating

Reheat the wings for 5–10 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings are ready when their internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes to create a hot environment that promotes even cooking and helps lock in moisture.
• Lightly brush the wings with cooking oil or melted butter to seal in moisture and promote crispiness.
• Keep a close eye on the wings to prevent overcooking or drying out.
• Cover the wings with aluminium foil during the last part of the reheating process if they are browning too quickly.
• Reheat the wings only once to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Reheat sauced wings without the sauce, adding it afterwards to avoid burning.

How to store chicken wings

Storing chicken wings correctly is essential to ensure they remain fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store chicken wings:

• Storing Fresh, Uncooked Chicken Wings: If you have purchased or prepared fresh chicken wings that you don't plan to cook immediately, it is crucial to store them properly. Place the chicken wings in an airtight container or wrap them securely in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Make sure to keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back or bottom shelf. Fresh, uncooked chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Storing Cooked Chicken Wings: If you have cooked chicken wings that you want to store, it is best to let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them securely. Cooked chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing Chicken Wings: If you want to store chicken wings for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the package with the date, and they will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Thawing Frozen Chicken Wings: When you are ready to cook the frozen chicken wings, it is important to thaw them safely. The best way is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight. Alternatively, you can place the frozen wings in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until they are thawed. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Reheating Chicken Wings: If you have stored your chicken wings in the refrigerator and want to enjoy them again, it is best to reheat them properly. You can use an air fryer, preheated to 360°F, for about 4 minutes, or a microwave until they are heated through. It is important to note that you should only reheat chicken wings once, and they should be consumed in one sitting after reheating.

Frequently asked questions