Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings: The Perfect Crunch!

how to make extra crispy chicken wings in air fryer

Chicken wings are a classic appetizer and a game-day favourite. They are usually deep-fried, but air-frying them is a healthier alternative that gives you equally crispy wings without the extra fats and calories from oil.

To make extra crispy chicken wings in an air fryer, start by patting the wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, season the wings with salt and pepper, along with baking powder and a neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. Mix until the wings are evenly coated.

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between them for air to circulate freely. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, and then air fry for another 8-12 minutes until crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings, so adjust accordingly.

For extra crispiness, you can add a little baking powder to the mixture before air-frying. Baking powder helps to absorb moisture and dry out the skin, making it crispier. You can also try increasing the temperature of the air fryer to 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking to get that extra juicy chicken with a crispy skin.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Chicken Wings, Olive Oil, Baking Powder, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika
Tools Air Fryer
Steps Pat Dry, Season, Air Fry, Flip, Air Fry Again

cycookery

Pat the wings dry

Make sure to pat the wings dry before you season them. This will ensure the skin gets nice and crispy.

If you are using a rub, you can add the seasoning to a plastic bag, add the wings, and shake to coat. This will ensure the wings are evenly coated and will cut down on the cleanup.

cycookery

Use a single layer of wings

When making extra crispy chicken wings in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the wings in a single layer with a little room between them. This ensures that the wings cook evenly and the skin can get nice and crispy. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!
  • Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so if the wings are overlapping, they won't crisp up evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • For extra crispy skin, add a little baking powder to the seasoning mixture. Baking powder helps to absorb moisture and dry out the skin.
  • If you're using frozen wings, make sure to defrost them before cooking. Frozen wings will take longer to cook and may not get as crispy.
  • Don't crowd the air fryer basket. If you're making a large batch of wings, cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
  • If you're using a sauce, add it after the wings are cooked. Tossing the wings in sauce before cooking can make them soggy.

cycookery

Toss the wings

To make extra crispy chicken wings in an air fryer, you'll want to toss the wings in a large bowl with the following ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, then flip and cook for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature.

For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce. Enjoy!

cycookery

Increase the temperature

The secret to extra crispy chicken wings in the air fryer is to increase the temperature for the last few minutes of cooking time. This will give you that extra juicy chicken with a crispy skin.

How to Make Extra Crispy Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

First, you will want to prep your chicken wings. If they are full wings, separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted. Pat them dry completely (this will help them get crispy).

Place the wings into a bowl and add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to completely coat the wings.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F for a few minutes.

Add the wings in a single layer to the air fryer (they should not be touching), and cook for 10 minutes at 400 F.

After the timer goes off, open and carefully flip over the chicken wings. Close the air fryer and cook at 400 F for 8 minutes.

For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 425 F and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165 F.

Remove the chicken wings and serve with your favorite sauce.

cycookery

Use a meat thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken wings are cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your wings are cooked evenly and safely.

When using an air fryer, it is crucial to be mindful of the size of your wings. Smaller wings may require less time to reach the desired temperature, while larger wings might need a few extra minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and always rely on the thermometer reading rather than appearance alone.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Different air fryers have different wattages, which can impact the cooking time. Always refer to the manual of your specific air fryer for the most accurate guidelines.

By following these tips and using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your chicken wings are cooked to perfection every time!

Frequently asked questions

Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, place the wings in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well with your hands and place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 F for 10 minutes, flip, and air fry again at 400 F for another 8-12 minutes.

It takes around 20 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer.

You will need chicken wings, oil, salt, pepper, and baking powder.

You should cook chicken wings in an air fryer at 400 F.

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. You may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment