Air-Fryer Chicken Wings: The Perfect Nuwave Recipe

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them in oil adds fat and calories. Using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still yields tender, juicy, and delicious crispy chicken wings. Here's a guide on how to make chicken wings in a Nuwave air fryer.

How to Make Chicken Wings in a Nuwave Air Fryer

Choosing the right air fryer

There are two primary types of air fryers on the market: those with a drawer-like basket and those with a mesh tray or rack. Toaster ovens with built-in air-frying modes are also an option. Your choice depends on your needs and preferences.

Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers are the most common type. They feature a tub or basket where you place the food, which typically has a handle for easy pulling and tossing during cooking. These come in digital and manual forms, with the former allowing you to control time and temperature with the press of a button, and the latter using analog dials. Digital models are often more expensive and come with advanced features like presets for common foods. Basket air fryers range in size, from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts.

Tray Air Fryers

Air fryers with mesh trays or racks are becoming more popular. These models cook food in a flat or shallow receptacle, similar to a countertop toaster oven, and some have multiple racks for cooking a full meal simultaneously. Like basket air fryers, tray models offer manual or digital control options. They also have clear glass doors, allowing you to monitor the food while cooking.

Toaster Ovens with Air-Fryer Modes

Some higher-end toaster ovens now include an air-fry setting, but they may not achieve the same level of crispiness as true air fryers due to their larger interior capacity and air escape. However, they can accommodate larger batches of food and may be more familiar and predictable for cooks.

When choosing an air fryer, consider factors such as price, capacity, advanced features, and warranty. Most air fryers range in price from $30 to $260, with an average of around $100. Capacity depends on your needs, with most models designed for cooking for one or two people, and larger options available for families. Advanced features like dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking can be useful if you plan to use them. Finally, look for a warranty that gives you confidence in the product, as air fryer warranties can range from 60 days to three years.

Preparing the chicken wings

Once you have your ingredients, you'll want to start by rinsing and patting dry the chicken wings. This step is important to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the final product. After drying, place the wings in a large bowl.

Now it's time to add the olive oil or cooking spray. Lightly coat the wings, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. You don't want to drown the wings in oil, as this will affect the texture and may make them greasy.

Next up is the seasoning. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the wings, or you can place the wings in a plastic bag, add the seasonings, and shake to ensure an even coating. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasonings, as this will add flavour to your wings.

At this point, your wings are almost ready for the air fryer. However, it's important to ensure your air fryer basket is prepared. Lightly spray the inside of the basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Now, it's time to place the wings in the air fryer. Be sure to leave a few inches of space between the wings to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

With the wings in the air fryer, you can set the temperature and timer according to your specific recipe. Remember to pause and shake the basket periodically to ensure even cooking, and always ensure your chicken is cooked through before serving.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken wings in a Nuwave air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific model of the air fryer. However, here is a general guide:

Start by preheating your Nuwave Brio air fryer to 360°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken wings by tossing them in a bowl with olive oil, your desired seasonings, salt, and pepper. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, lemon pepper, or a chicken grilling blend.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. It is important to leave a few inches of space between the wings to allow for proper air circulation.

For cooking, you can follow one of two methods:

Method 1:

• Cook the wings at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes.
• Pause and shake the basket every 5-6 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Once the wings are slightly browned, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Method 2:

• Set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the wings for 12 minutes.
• Flip the wings with tongs and cook for another 12 minutes.
• Flip the wings again, increase the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for a final 6 minutes, or until the wings are extra crispy.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of wings and the specific model of your Nuwave air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model. Additionally, remember to shake the basket regularly during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

Adding sauce

Choosing a Sauce

The type of sauce you choose for your chicken wings is entirely up to your preference. Some popular options include buffalo sauce, honey BBQ, teriyaki, and lemon pepper sauce. You can also experiment with different sauces such as hoisin sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), or even a sweet and spicy sauce. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own sauce by combining ingredients like olive oil, oregano, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the Sauce

If you are making your own sauce, make sure to prepare it in advance so it is ready to use once your chicken wings are cooked. This will ensure that you can serve your wings while they are still hot and crispy. You may also need to warm up or melt some sauces, such as honey, before coating the wings.

Coating the Wings

Once your chicken wings are cooked, it's time to add the sauce. Place the cooked wings in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss the wings gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Use tongs or a large spoon to mix and lift the wings, being careful not to break or tear the crispy skin. Continue tossing and mixing until all the wings are well coated.

Serving the Wings

After coating your chicken wings with sauce, it's time to serve them. You can serve the wings as-is or with a side of your choice. Some popular side dishes for chicken wings include ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, avocado ranch, or even a dipping sauce such as blue cheese dip or ranch dressing. If you're serving the wings as an appetiser, a side of fresh vegetables or chips can also be a great option.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover chicken wings, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat the sauced wings, you can place them back in the air fryer at 350-375°F for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop, ensuring they are heated thoroughly before serving.

Serving suggestions

Sauces

You can toss your wings in a sauce of your choice after cooking. Some options include:

• Honey BBQ
• Teriyaki
• Buffalo Sauce
• Lemon pepper sauce: Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and some black pepper.
• Hoisin sauce with toasted sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and more
• Gochujang (Korean chilli paste)

Dips

You can also serve your wings with a dip on the side. Some options include:

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dip
• Avocado ranch
• Buffalo dipping sauce

Sides

Some side dishes that would go well with the wings include:

• Fresh celery
• Potato skins
• Onion rings
• French fries
• Chicken fingers

Frequently asked questions