Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Emeril's Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken wings are a classic appetizer, perfect for game day. They can be crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. You can make them in an air fryer with minimal oil, or even none at all. Here's a step-by-step guide to making chicken wings in an Emeril Air Fryer, including preparation, cooking, and sauce options.

Chicken prep: Pat dry, cut, and season

First, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. If your wings are on the wetter side, be sure to dry them thoroughly. You can also wash the wings before patting them dry.

Next, cut the chicken wings at the joints to separate them into drumettes, flats, and tips. Discard the wing tips or set them aside for another use.

Now it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Here are some options:

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme

Simply sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the chicken wings and toss to coat them evenly. Alternatively, you can prepare a dry rub by mixing the seasonings together and dredging each chicken wing in the mixture.

You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and seasonings for at least an hour before proceeding to the next steps.

Air fryer setup: Place drip tray, baking pan, and crisper tray

To set up your air fryer for making chicken wings, you'll need to assemble the drip tray, baking pan, and crisper tray. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, place the drip tray at the bottom of the air fryer. This tray will catch any excess oil or residue that drips from the chicken during cooking, so ensure it is securely positioned.

Next, place the baking pan directly under where the crisper tray will go. The baking pan serves as an additional layer of protection and helps to distribute heat evenly.

Now, line the crisper tray with aluminum foil. This step is optional but recommended for easier cleanup. If you do line the tray, lightly spray the aluminum foil with a non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the surface and make cleaning up afterward a breeze.

Once you've prepared the drip tray, baking pan, and crisper tray, you'll be ready to place your chicken wings in the crisper basket and begin the cooking process. Remember to always follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer.

Air fryer settings: Temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time settings for your air fryer chicken wings will depend on the brand and model of your air fryer, as well as the size of the batch you are cooking. Here are some general guidelines based on the Emeril Air Fryer and similar products:

Temperature

Set your air fryer to 400° F (200° C). This temperature will ensure that your chicken wings are cooked through and crispy.

Time

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer can range from 22 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the batch and the desired level of crispiness. For example, in an Emeril Air Fryer, it is recommended to cook 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds of chicken wings for 22 minutes at 400° F. If you are using a different air fryer, such as the COSORI Pro II Air Fryer, you may need to cook the wings for a slightly longer time, up to 35-40 minutes, to achieve the same level of crispiness.

Cooking Process

When air frying chicken wings, it is important to place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the air can circulate properly. Shake the basket periodically during cooking to flip the wings and promote even browning. For example, if cooking for 24 minutes at 380° F, shake the basket every 10 minutes.

After the initial cooking time, increase the temperature to 400° F and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on the wings during this final step to avoid overcooking.

Batch Cooking

If you are cooking a larger batch of chicken wings, you may need to cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Take some of the wings out before increasing the temperature for the final crisping step, and cook them in smaller groups. This will ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded and that the hot air can circulate effectively.

Frozen Wings

You can also cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. Simply air fry them for 5 minutes longer at 380° F before increasing the temperature for the final crisping step. There is no need to thaw them before cooking.

Sauces: Wing sauce, lemon parmesan butter sauce, and blue cheese dipping sauce

Sauces

Wing Sauce

For a spicy kick, you can use a Louisiana red hot sauce like Crystal Brand or Emeril's Wing Sauce. You can also make your own wing sauce by combining hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and butter. Melt the butter and add it slowly to the other ingredients in a blender until you have a smooth sauce.

Lemon Parmesan Butter Sauce

For a tangy, savoury sauce, combine melted butter with grated parmesan cheese, grated pecorino romano, lemon pepper, and dried parsley.

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Blue cheese sauce is a classic pairing with chicken wings, and its cool, creamy flavour will balance out the spicy and tangy flavours of the wing sauce and lemon parmesan butter sauce.

Tips: Don't overcrowd the basket, shake the basket, and coat wings with cooking spray

When making chicken wings in an Emeril Air Fryer, there are a few key tips to keep in mind for optimal results. Firstly, avoid overcrowding the basket. While it may be tempting to cook more wings at once, ensuring adequate airflow is crucial for even cooking and crisping. The hot air needs room to circulate around each wing, so give them some breathing space!

Secondly, shaking the basket periodically is essential. Air frying relies on the circulation of hot air, and by shaking the basket, you ensure that all sides of the wings are exposed to the hot air, promoting even cooking and browning. Aim to shake the basket every 10 minutes or so during the cooking process.

Lastly, coating the wings with cooking spray or lightly spraying them is recommended. This step helps the wings achieve that desirable crispy texture. The spray adds a thin layer of oil, encouraging browning and crisping without the need for deep-frying in oil. A light coating is all you need to enhance the texture without making the wings greasy.

By following these tips—avoiding overcrowding, shaking the basket, and coating with cooking spray—you'll be well on your way to achieving perfectly cooked and crispy chicken wings in your Emeril Air Fryer.

Frequently asked questions