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 produces tender, juicy, and delicious crispy chicken wings. This paragraph will explain how to make chicken wings in a Nuwave air fryer.

Characteristics and Values Table for Making Chicken Wings in the Nuwave Air Fryer

Choosing the right air fryer

Basket vs Oven Style

The first thing to decide is whether you want a basket-style or oven-style air fryer. Basket-style air fryers are more basic, affordable, and compact. They feature a tub that you slide in and out of the air fryer to put your food in and often have dishwasher-safe removable baskets. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are essentially toaster ovens with more advanced features. They tend to be more expensive and high-tech, with a larger cooking capacity.

Size

Air fryers come in various sizes, from 2 quarts to over 14 quarts. Consider how many people you'll be cooking for regularly. A 2- or 3-quart air fryer is suitable for one or two people, while a larger family may require a 5-quart model or more. Keep in mind that a smaller air fryer may require cooking in batches.

Price

Air fryers range in price from $30 to $400, but most models fall between $100 and $260. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a high-performing air fryer, but keep in mind that more expensive models may offer additional features and better performance.

Advanced Features

Some air fryers have preset buttons, dehydration settings, baking functions, and rotisserie cooking options. Consider what types of food you'll be cooking and whether you'll utilise these additional features.

Warranty

Warranties for air fryers can vary from as short as 60 days to up to three years. A longer warranty can provide added peace of mind and indicate the manufacturer's confidence in the product.

Brand

There are several reputable brands in the air fryer market, including Philips, Instant Pot, Ninja, Cosori, and Cuisinart. Reading reviews and comparing features and prices can help you make an informed decision.

Preparing the chicken wings

First, you'll want to gather your ingredients and ensure your chicken wings are thawed and ready to go. You'll need around 2-5 pounds of chicken wings, depending on your preference and air fryer size. It's important to ensure the wings are thawed so that they cook evenly. Rinse and pat them dry with paper towels.

Next, you'll want to season your wings. Place the wings in a large bowl and lightly coat them with olive oil cooking spray. You can also use regular olive oil and coat the wings by tossing them in the oil. Then, it's time to add your seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper to taste, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, lemon pepper, or a pre-made seasoning blend like Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend or Old Bay Seasoning. You can also use a dry rub of chicken seasoning or a pre-made wing sauce for extra flavour.

Once your wings are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the wings in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a bit of space between them for the air to circulate. You may need to cook the wings in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

With the wings seasoned and arranged, your chicken wings are now ready to be cooked to crispy perfection!

Cooking times and temperatures

When making chicken wings in the Nuwave air fryer, the cooking time and temperature settings will depend on the quantity of chicken wings being cooked, and whether or not you are using a recipe that involves a dry rub or a marinade.

For example, for 1kg of chicken wings with a dry rub of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, you would cook the wings at 180C (356F) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so. The temperature would then need to be increased to 200C (392F) for a further 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you are cooking 2 pounds of chicken wings with a dry rub of olive oil, seasonings, salt, and pepper, you would preheat your Nuwave Brio to 360°F and cook the wings for 25 minutes.

For 4-5 pounds of chicken wings with a dry rub of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, you would cook the wings at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-6 minutes. The temperature would then need to be increased to 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you are cooking chicken wings that have been marinated, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly. For example, if you are cooking pre-marinated chicken wings from Aldi, you would cook the wings at 180C (356F) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so. The temperature would then need to be increased to 200C (392F) for a further 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the model of your Nuwave air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your device. Additionally, if you are using frozen chicken wings, be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Sauces and seasonings

Chicken wings can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces. The most common spices used are garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Other spices include garlic salt, lemon pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend.

For sauces, you can toss the wings in your favourite sauce or use a dry rub. Popular sauces include honey BBQ, Teriyaki, Buffalo Sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dip. You can also make your own sauce, such as a Buffalo dipping sauce or a sweet and spicy sauce.

If you want to make Buffalo wings, you don't need a separate marinade. Simply cook the wings and pour the sauce over them when they're done.

Cleaning your air fryer

Regular cleaning of your air fryer is important to maintain its performance and ensure food safety. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean your air fryer, including quick cleaning after each use and deep cleaning for more thorough maintenance.

Quick Clean: Steps After Each Use

• Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning.
• Wash Removable Parts: Remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. Many air fryers are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing may help the non-stick coating last longer.
• Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer to remove any residue.
• Dry: Ensure that all components are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Deep Clean: Steps for Thorough Cleaning

• Allow to Cool: Before starting, make sure the air fryer has cooled down completely to reduce the risk of burns and make it safer to handle.
• Unplug: Unplug the air fryer from the power source to prevent any electrical accidents while cleaning.
• Remove Removable Parts: Carefully take out the basket, tray, and pan (if applicable) and set them aside for separate cleaning.
• Clean Removable Parts: Wash these parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove food residue and grease. If preferred, you can also place them in the dishwasher for deeper cleaning.
• Clean the Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer, being careful to avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that may damage the surface.
• Clean the Heating Element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Ensure that you do not damage the heating coil or dislodge any components, and completely dry the heating element before reassembling.
• Reassemble and Store: Once all parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions and store it in a clean, dry place.

Tips for Keeping Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer

• Use liners or parchment paper to catch drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Wipe down the air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Do not skip cleaning the heating element, even if it doesn't appear dirty, as grease can accumulate and reduce efficiency.
• Ensure that all components are fully dry before reassembling to avoid moisture affecting the performance of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions