Air Fryer Chicken Wings: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers offer a healthier, faster, and easier alternative to making chicken wings. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for deep frying or a long oven cook time.

The key to getting crispy chicken wings in an air fryer is to ensure they are dry before cooking. You can also use a simple dry rub or seasoning blend, such as garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, onion powder, and salt and pepper, to enhance the flavour.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 10 minutes at 400°F, followed by an additional 8-12 minutes at the same temperature after flipping the wings.

How to prep the chicken wings

Preparing the chicken wings is a simple process. First, separate the wings into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted. Then, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the wings get crispy.

Next, place the wings in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Now it's time to add the seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary, oregano, and ground mustard. Toss the wings again to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

That's it! Your chicken wings are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

How to season the chicken wings

To make mouth-watering chicken wings in an air fryer, you can follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Method:

• Prep the chicken wings: Separate the wings into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted. Pat them dry completely to help them get crispy.
• Season the chicken wings: Place the wings into a bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat. Then, add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss again to ensure the wings are completely coated with the seasoning.
• Air fry the chicken wings: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Flip the wings: After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully flip over the chicken wings. Air fry for another 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve: Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dips or sauces.

Tips for extra crispy wings:

• Pat the chicken wings dry before marinating or seasoning them. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure the wings get nice and crispy.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the wings in batches if needed, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching.

How to cook the chicken wings

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the wings, you will need:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Olive oil
• Salt

You can also add some extra spices and herbs to taste, such as:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• White pepper
• Baking powder
• Lemon pepper
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Ground mustard

Method

Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Defrost your chicken wings if they are frozen.
• Pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure the wings get crispy.
• Place the wings into a bowl and add your chosen oil, spices, and herbs. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes.
• Place the wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F.
• Flip the wings and cook for a further 8-12 minutes at 400°F, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your choice of dips or sauces.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's better to cook the wings in multiple batches if needed.
• You can use a variety of sauces to toss the wings in after cooking, such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.
• To ensure the wings are cooked, use a thermometer probe to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

How to store and reheat the chicken wings

Storing and reheating chicken wings correctly is essential to keep them safe and delicious. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it right:

Storing Chicken Wings:

• Use airtight containers: Transfer the wings into airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out and absorbing unwanted odours.
• Maintain temperature: Ensure your fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Bacteria can grow if the temperature rises above this, so keep your fridge nice and cold.
• Store promptly: Get the leftover wings into the refrigerator as soon as possible. Most experts recommend storing leftover chicken in the fridge for no more than four days.

Reheating Chicken Wings:

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the basket, leaving a little space for air circulation. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the wings from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Place the wings on a greased baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Bake for 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and crispy.
• Microwave: While the microwave is a quick and convenient option, it may result in softer, soggier wings. Place the wings in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1 minute on each side.
• Stovetop: This method is suitable for saucy wings. Heat a pan on medium-high with a conservative amount of oil. Add the wings and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until you achieve the desired crispiness.

Remember, chicken wings are best enjoyed fresh, but if stored and reheated correctly, they can still be delicious!

How to make the chicken wings crispy

How to Make Chicken Wings Crispy in an Air Fryer Oven

Making chicken wings in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying or baking in an oven. The air fryer's circulating hot air cooks the wings faster than an oven and makes the skin crispier.

Pat the wings dry:

Use paper towels to pat the wings dry and remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings crisp up in the air fryer.

Use fresh wings:

Fresh wings are best for achieving crispy results. If you use frozen wings, be sure to thaw them first.

Use a dry rub:

A dry rub with herbs and spices will help to crisp up the wings during the air frying process. You can use a simple combination of rosemary, oregano, and ground mustard, or get creative with your favorite spices.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (depending on the model) for a few minutes before adding the wings.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer:

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and crisp up the wings.

Air fry at 390-400°F for 20-24 minutes:

Cook the wings at 390-400°F for 20-24 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the wings a few times during cooking for even crisping. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Toss with drippings:

For an extra juicy flavor boost, toss the cooked wings with the drippings from the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray.

Reheat and store:

You can reheat the wings in the air fryer at 380°F for 5-8 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions