Air Fryer Wings: Crispy Secrets Revealed!

How to Make Air Fryer Wings Extra Crispy

Air fryer wings are a quick and easy way to make juicy, tender chicken wings with a crispy coating. There are several methods to achieve this, but the most important steps are to dry the wings thoroughly, use a raising agent such as baking powder, and ensure the air fryer is not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate.

Pat the Wings Dry

It's important to remove any excess moisture from the wings to help them crisp up. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry.

Use Baking Powder

Baking powder reacts with the chicken skin, raising the pH level and creating tiny air bubbles, which results in a beautiful, paper-thin and crisp exterior.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Make sure there is enough space between the wings to allow for air to circulate freely in the basket.

Other Tips

- Use a neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.

- Use white pepper, which has a milder flavour profile than black pepper.

- Preheat the air fryer if necessary.

- Flip the wings and air fry a second time until they are crispy.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Use baking powder

Baking powder is a key ingredient in making extra crispy air fryer wings. It is a surprising "secret" ingredient that makes the wings super crispy. The powder soaks up extra moisture, helping to dry the skin. Be careful not to use baking soda, which won't work and will leave an aftertaste.

Some recipes suggest that you pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before adding the baking powder. This is to remove excess moisture from the wings, which will help them to crisp up.

You can also try putting the wings in the fridge uncovered overnight after seasoning them with salt and baking powder.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Wings

• Start by preheating your air fryer to 360ºF.
• Place the chicken wings into a gallon-size Ziplock bag – no need to pat off excess moisture with paper towels first – then drizzle with roughly a Tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt, then seal the bag, keeping the air inside. Give the bag a good shake to evenly coat the wings.
• Alternatively, you could season the chicken wings in a large bowl.
• Add the wings to the air fryer basket and arrange in a single layer so they’re not overlapping – touching is fine.
• Air fry the wings for 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, or until the chicken wings are golden brown. No need to flip as the shaking will ensure the wings cook evenly.
• Increase the heat to 390ºF then cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the wings are brown and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Wings

• Don't overlap the wings. Air fryers make foods crispy by circulating air around them, so if there’s no room for air to circulate, the wings won’t crisp up.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. Wings come in various sizes, so you might need to increase or decrease cooking time depending on the size of your wings.
• To get the crispiest skin ever, dunk your wings in the sauce of your choice vs tossing them in a bowl.

Use oil

Using oil is a great way to get your chicken wings extra crispy. You can use a neutral oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. Olive oil is also a good option, as it helps the seasoning stick to the wings and makes them crispier. Coat the wings in oil and your chosen seasoning, then place them in the air fryer.

If you want to use oil but keep the calories down, you can spritz the wings with oil instead of coating them. You can also use a spray oil to grease the air fryer basket.

If you're using an air fryer with a rack, lightly rub the rack with oil to prevent sticking.

Use salt

Salting your chicken wings before cooking will improve browning and give them a beautiful deep golden brown colour. However, salt can also make chicken skin a little less crispy.

If you want to make your wings extra crispy, it's best to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding any seasoning. This will help remove any excess moisture from the wings, allowing them to crisp up. You can then add salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice.

Some recipes suggest using baking powder in addition to salt, as this can help to dry out the skin and make it crispier. However, others recommend using cornstarch or flour to achieve a similar effect.

• Use a high temperature when cooking. This will help to create juicy meat and a crispy skin.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow enough space for air to circulate freely around each wing.
• Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• If you want to add sauce to your wings, it's best to dunk them in the sauce rather than tossing them in a bowl. This will help to maintain the crispiness of the skin.

Use lemon pepper

Lemon pepper wings are a great option for those who want a zesty and slightly spicy kick to their wings. The key to achieving this flavour is in the seasoning. Lemon pepper seasoning is a blend of dried lemon zest, pepper, and salt, with some brands containing garlic and/or onion powder.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt
• Butter
• Honey mustard (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-425°F for 3-15 minutes.
• Dry the chicken wings with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• In a medium bowl, toss the wings with olive oil and half of the lemon pepper and salt.
• Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes.
• Flip the wings over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and place them in a clean bowl. Toss with melted butter and the remaining lemon pepper and salt.
• Return the wings to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crispy.
• Serve with honey mustard or your preferred dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Dry skin will crisp up better, so make sure to pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning.
• It is recommended to preheat your air fryer as it helps the wings get crispier.
• For the best results, cook the wings in a single layer. Work in batches if needed.
• If you want to add sauce to your wings, it is best to do so towards the end of the cooking process.
• You can also experiment with different sauces and dips to find your favourite combination.
• If you are making a large batch, it is a good idea to cook the wings in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• You can also try different variations of lemon pepper seasoning, such as adding garlic powder or paprika, to give your wings an extra kick.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

When cooking chicken wings in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the wings are not overcrowded. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and if the wings are too close together, the air will not be able to circulate properly. This will result in the wings not cooking evenly and may cause them to become soggy.

To avoid overcrowding, it is best to cook the wings in batches if necessary. It is also a good idea to shake the basket or use tongs to spread the wings into an even layer if they start to overlap during cooking. This will help ensure that the wings cook evenly and become nice and crispy.

Another tip to ensure crispy wings is to increase the heat towards the end of the cooking time. This will help to crisp up the skin and give the wings that irresistible sizzle.

Frequently asked questions