Air Fryer Magic: Crispy Hot Wings Perfection

If you're craving crispy hot wings, an air fryer is a great way to achieve that perfect crunchy exterior and moist interior. This method is healthier than deep-fat frying and can be quicker than baking in an oven.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when making hot wings in an air fryer. Firstly, pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Secondly, coat the wings in a little oil and your choice of seasonings; popular options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and baking powder, which can help create an extra crispy skin. Thirdly, arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Finally, cook the wings at a temperature of around 380-400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

For an extra crispy finish, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking. Don't forget to serve your hot wings with your favorite dipping sauces, such as blue cheese, ranch, or buffalo sauce!

How to season the chicken wings

To season the chicken wings, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the skin crisps up nicely.

Next, place the chicken wings into a large bowl or a gallon-size Ziplock bag. Add your chosen oil – this could be olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil. Then, add your chosen seasonings. You could try a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder, or lemon pepper seasoning, or even smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with other spices and herbs, such as chipotle, sriracha, or old bay.

Once you've added your chosen oil and seasonings, mix everything together well. You can use your hands to ensure the wings are evenly coated, or if you're using a Ziplock bag, seal the bag and shake it to coat the wings.

Now your chicken wings are seasoned and ready to be placed into the air fryer!

How to cook the chicken wings

Ingredients

• 12 whole wings, cut into 24 pieces
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Baking powder
• Your favourite sauce (optional)

Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F/193°C for 3 minutes.
• Prepare the air fryer basket.
• Place the wings in a large bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well.
• Place the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry the wings at 380°F/193°C for 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispy skin. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F.
• Carefully remove the wings from the air fryer and toss in your favourite sauce (if using).

Tips

• Pat the wings dry with paper towels before cooking.
• Add a little baking powder to the mixture to make the wings crispier.
• Ensure the wings are in a single layer with a little room between them so they cook evenly.
• Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes for even cooking and crispiness.

How to make the sauce

The sauce is a key component of crispy hot wings, adding flavour and moisture to the dish. While you can use a store-bought sauce, making your own allows you to customise the taste and adjust the spiciness to your preference. Here is a simple recipe for a classic buffalo wing sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of your favourite hot sauce (e.g. Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup of melted butter
• Optional: a few tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until you have a well-combined, emulsified sauce.
• If you want to add a creamy, mild blue cheese flavour to your sauce, mix in the blue cheese or gorgonzola.
• Once your wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce until they are fully coated.
• Serve immediately with blue cheese and celery sticks on the side, if desired.

Feel free to experiment with different types of hot sauce, butter, and additional ingredients to create your own unique sauce. You can also try different dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ, or honey garlic to complement your crispy hot wings.

How to store leftovers

To store leftovers of your crispy hot wings, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that chicken wings should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If you have any leftover wings, be sure to pop them in the fridge. According to the FDA, chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.

To keep your leftover wings tasting as good as new, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will prevent the wings from drying out and stop them from absorbing any unwanted odours from the fridge. It is also important to ensure your fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C).

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover wings again, it is recommended to reheat them in the oven or an air fryer, rather than the microwave, to maintain their crispiness. To reheat in the oven, spread the wings out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, flipping them halfway through. To reheat in an air fryer, set the temperature to 375-400°F and air fry for 5-7 minutes on each side.

And there you have it! By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your crispy hot wings again and again.

What to serve with the chicken wings

Now that you've made your delicious crispy hot wings in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas for side dishes and sauces to complement your wings and elevate your meal or party:

Side Dishes

• Mozzarella sticks
• Carrot and celery sticks
• Potato skins
• Jalapeño poppers
• Mini cheese puffs
• Cornbread
• Gluten-free cheddar bay biscuits
• Parmesan bread bites
• Cheesy-stuffed garlic butter crescent rolls
• Macaroni and cheese
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Air fryer French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Baked potatoes
• Loaded smashed potatoes
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Guacamole
• Pigs in a blanket
• Parmesan garlic aioli fries
• Chili-lime street corn
• Nachos
• Brownie box
• Freshly baked cookies

Sauces

• Buffalo sauce
• Buttermilk ranch dressing
• Blue cheese sauce
• Honey mustard
• Barbecue sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• Garlic parmesan sauce
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy-ginger glaze

Frequently asked questions