Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Breville's Best

Chicken wings are a popular dish, but deep-frying them is not always convenient or healthy. Air fryers, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air, offer a faster, healthier, and easier alternative to cooking crispy chicken wings. With an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect combination of a tender centre and a super crispy skin in just 16 to 40 minutes, depending on your recipe and air fryer model.

How to prepare the chicken wings

Preparing chicken wings for a Breville air fryer is a simple process. First, take your chicken wings and place them on paper towels. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps ensure the chicken wings cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.

Next, you'll want to season the chicken wings. There are various seasoning options available. A basic option is to coat the chicken wings in a little oil and then sprinkle on seasonings like garlic salt and lemon pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as baking powder, salt, and cornstarch or milk powder. For a spicier option, add a sprinkle of cayenne to the chicken coating. Toss the chicken wings in a mixing bowl with your chosen seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Once the chicken wings are seasoned to your liking, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, making sure they are evenly spaced apart. This arrangement ensures that the hot air circulates around each wing, creating that desirable crispy texture.

If you are using a Breville Smart Oven Air, you can place the wings directly in the mesh metal air fryer basket that comes included with the oven. There is no need to flip the wings during cooking, as the hot air will circulate around them, cooking them evenly.

How to make the sauce

There are a few different sauces you can make to accompany your chicken wings.

Blue Cheese Sauce

Add 4 oz of creamy blue cheese, crumbled, to a bowl. Add 1/3 cup (2¾ oz) of sour cream and ¼ cup (2 oz) of mayonnaise. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and whisk until well combined.

Ranch Sauce

Add ⅓ cup (2 oz) of mayonnaise, ⅓ cup (2¾ oz) of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper to a bowl. Whisk to combine.

Buffalo Sauce

Add ½ cup (4 fl oz) of hot sauce, 2 oz of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder to a bowl. Whisk to combine.

Frank's RedHot Sauce

Sprinkle Frank's RedHot Sauce over your cooked wings and toss until they are evenly coated.

How to cook the wings in the air fryer

First, pat the wings dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl. Then, coat the wings in oil and sprinkle on your chosen seasonings. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

Next, place the wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Set the air fryer to 400˚F and cook for 8 minutes on each side, or 16 minutes in total. If you are cooking a larger batch of wings, you may need to increase the cooking time to 18-22 minutes, and remember to flip the wings halfway through.

If you are using a Breville Smart Oven Air, you can preheat the oven to 360ºF and set it for 30 minutes, with the air fryer mesh basket inside. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on a rack underneath the air fryer basket. Use tongs to arrange the wings in the basket and bake for 30 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 425ºF and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve them on their own, or with your choice of sauce and sides, such as celery sticks, blue cheese sauce, or ranch dressing.

How to make the wings extra crispy

To make extra crispy chicken wings in a Breville air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your chicken wings are dry. Pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step as moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. You can also place the wings in the fridge uncovered overnight to help dry them out.

Next, season the wings. Place them in a bowl and add your choice of oil, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Toss the wings so they are evenly coated. The oil will help the seasoning stick, and the baking powder will soak up any remaining moisture, helping to dry out the skin.

Now you are ready to cook the wings. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching too much. This is to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up the skin.

Air fry the wings for 10-15 minutes at a lower temperature of around 250°F. Then, flip the wings and increase the temperature to 400-430°F. Air fry for another 15-20 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

For extra crispiness, finish the wings with a final blast of high heat, around 10 minutes at 425°F.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces to add extra flavour to your crispy wings.

What to serve with the chicken wings

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to accompany your air-fried wings:

Classic Combinations

• Veggies and dip: Carrots, celery, and other crunchy vegetables pair well with creamy dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Fries: Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries are a perfect match for chicken wings. Dip them in the extra wing sauce for added flavour!
• Onion rings: Golden, crispy onion rings are a great crunchy side dish to juicy chicken wings.
• Potato wedges: These are a hearty option that can be served plain or loaded with toppings like bacon, sour cream, jalapeños, and cheese.
• Coleslaw: A classic, creamy, and tangy side dish that goes well with the crispy texture of chicken wings.

Creative Sides

• Pretzel bites and cheese: Soft pretzel bites with a gooey cheese dip are a comforting and delicious option.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad or a creamy Caesar salad can complement the bold flavours of chicken wings.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled corn slathered with spices or a chili-lime cream sauce is a bold and unforgettable side dish.
• Tater tots: Crispy tater tots, especially the loaded variety with cheese and bacon, make a great potato sidekick to chicken wings.
• Cornbread: A fluffy, buttery, and moist cornbread is a perfect addition to your dinner table.
• Baked potatoes: A crispy and salty exterior with a fluffy interior, baked potatoes are a classic crowd-pleaser.

Sauces and Dips

In addition to the classic buffalo sauce, here are some other sauces and dips to serve with your chicken wings:

• Ranch dressing: A creamy dip that balances the spice of the wings.
• Blue cheese sauce: A tangy and pungent dip that pairs well with hot wings.
• Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy, this sauce adds a delightful contrast to spicy wings.
• Barbecue sauce: Sweet, smoky, or spicy—barbecue sauce adds depth to the wings.
• Teriyaki sauce: A sweet and savoury option that complements the wings beautifully. Sprinkle with green onions for added flavour.
• Sriracha mayo: Spicy and creamy, this sauce offers a kick of heat.
• Garlic Parmesan sauce: A luxurious, creamy, cheesy, and garlicky dip for the wings.

Feel free to experiment with different sides and sauces to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions