Air Fryer Chicken Wings: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken wings are a classic snack and a game-day favourite. They are juicy, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. The air fryer method is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it also reduces the cooking time.

The key to achieving crispy chicken wings is to ensure that they are dry before cooking. You can do this by patting them with a paper towel. Additionally, a layer of baking powder can help create a beautiful golden brown and crispy skin.

For flavour, you can use a variety of seasonings, including garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, onion powder, and white pepper. You can also add olive oil and toss the wings before air-frying them.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings, but on average, they should be cooked for around 20 minutes at 390°F.

Chicken wings are best served with dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, or BBQ sauce.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious wings!

Choosing the right air fryer

Now that you know how to make delicious chicken wings in your air fryer, it's time to choose the right one for you. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect air fryer:

Types of Air Fryers

There are three main types of air fryers:

• Classic Air Fryers: These are the most common type, featuring a removable air fryer basket that's often dishwasher-safe. They come in egg or square shapes, with the latter offering more cooking space. Examples include brands like Philips, Cosori, and Ninja.
• Air Fryer Oven/Toaster Oven: This type resembles a small oven and is ideal for those who want to use it instead of a regular oven or cook large amounts of food in a single layer. It takes up more space and cooks food a bit slower than classic air fryers, but it's still faster than a conventional oven. Cosori and Cuisinart are good options.
• Air Fryer Lid: This type of air fryer is perfect for those with limited space. It's a lid that you add to an instant pot or pressure cooker to convert it into an air fryer. You'll also need a separate air fryer basket suited to your pressure cooker. Brands like Instant Pot, Mealthy, and Ninja offer air fryer lids.

Size

Air fryers come in various sizes, from super small to quite large. Consider how many people you typically cook for. A 2-3 quart air fryer is suitable for 1-2 people, while a 5.5 quart or larger air fryer is ideal for a family. If you plan to cook for a larger group, consider an air fryer oven. Keep in mind that a smaller air fryer will heat up and cook your food faster, but a larger one lets you cook more at once.

Cleaning

Most air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, but not all of them do. Air fryer ovens, for example, usually require hand washing all components. The main unit of any air fryer should be wiped clean with a damp cloth after each use.

Budget

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to several hundred dollars. Smaller air fryers are generally more affordable, but you may need to increase your budget if you want additional features or a larger capacity.

Additional Features

Some air fryers offer extra features that might be important to you. For example, some models have two baskets, allowing you to cook two types of food at different temperatures simultaneously. You can also find air fryers in different colours to match your style or kitchen décor.

Preparing the chicken wings

Pat the Wings Dry:

Start by patting the chicken wings with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings crisp up during cooking. Ensure you get them as dry as possible.

Separate the Wings:

If you have purchased whole chicken wings, separate them into drums and flats. You can use a sharp butcher's knife or kitchen scissors to cut the wings at the joints. Discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock.

Seasoning the Wings:

Place the wings in a large mixing bowl. Add your preferred seasonings and oil, and toss until the wings are evenly coated. You can use a basic seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, or get creative with your favorite spices.

Some recipes also suggest adding baking powder to the seasoning mix, as it reacts with the chicken skin to create a crispier coating. However, this step is optional.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 380-400°F (190-200°C). This step ensures the air fryer is ready to go when you place the wings inside.

Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked on top of each other. It's okay if they are snug, as they will shrink during cooking, but ensure there is enough space for air to circulate freely.

Air Fry the Wings:

Cook the wings at the recommended temperature for 10 minutes, then flip them over. Air fry for another 8-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings, so adjust accordingly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Your chicken wings are now ready to be devoured! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or buffalo sauce. Don't forget to pair them with some fresh celery and carrot sticks on the side!

Applying the seasoning

The seasoning is the key to making your chicken wings taste amazing. It's important to use the right spices and herbs to create a flavourful and mouthwatering dish. Here are the steps you need to follow to ensure your chicken wings are perfectly seasoned:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by separating the chicken wings into drums and flats. You can purchase wings that are already cut, or you can cut them yourself using a sharp butcher's knife or kitchen scissors. Cut the wings at the joint that joins the drum and flat. Then, remove the wing tips from the flats. You can discard the tips or save them for making chicken stock later.

Step 2: Pat the Wings Dry

Before you apply any seasoning, it's crucial to pat the wings dry with paper towels. Remove any excess moisture from the wings, as this will help them crisp up during the cooking process. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients for your seasoning mix. The specific spices and herbs you use can vary depending on your taste preferences, but here are some common options:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Ground mustard
• Lemon pepper

Step 4: Coat the Wings

Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag. Drizzle them with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Then, add your seasoning mix and toss the wings until they are evenly coated. Make sure all the wings are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer is ready to go and will help you achieve the perfect crispiness for your wings.

Step 6: Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket or tray. It's important to arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and crisp up the wings evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Step 7: Air Fry the Wings

Now, it's time to cook your delicious wings! Air fry the wings at 390°F (200°C) for 20-24 minutes. During the cooking process, shake the basket or turn the wings 2-3 times to ensure even crisping. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). However, you may find that the wings are even more tender and juicy if the internal temperature reaches 180-200°F (82-93°C).

Step 8: Toss with Drippings (Optional)

Once your wings are cooked to perfection, you can remove them from the air fryer and toss them with the drippings collected at the bottom of the basket or tray. This step is entirely optional but adds an extra juicy flavour boost to your wings.

Tips for Perfectly Seasoned Wings:

• Use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen ones for the best crispy results.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Cook the wings in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.
• Feel free to customise the seasoning mix to suit your taste preferences. You can add a little cayenne pepper or crushed red peppers for a spicier kick.
• If you're using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to increase the cooking time or adjust the temperature slightly. Experiment with your specific model to find the perfect settings for crispy wings.

Cooking the wings

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Serving suggestions

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions for your homemade air-fried chicken wings:

As a Snack or Appetiser:

• Dips and Sauces: Serve your wings with a variety of dips and sauces on the side, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.
• Vegetables: Include some fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks on the side.
• Fries: Make a batch of air-fried French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots to go with the wings.

As a Main Course:

• Salads: Pair your wings with a simple wedge salad or a hearty side of coleslaw.
• Vegetables: Try serving the wings with roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Starchy Sides: For a heartier meal, serve the wings with mac and cheese, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
• Rice: Scoop some creamy mac and cheese or fried rice alongside the wings for a filling meal.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces, dips, and side dishes to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions