Frank's Hot Wings Air-Fried To Perfection

If you're craving some lip-smacking hot wings, why not try making them in an air fryer? This cooking method yields wings that are just as delicious as their deep-fried counterparts but with less fat and fewer calories. Here's a simple recipe using Frank's RedHot sauce that will have you enjoying juicy, crispy wings in no time.

Ingredients:

- Chicken wings (about 2 pounds)

- Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce or Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce

- Butter (unsalted)

- Worcestershire sauce

- Olive oil

- Salt

- Blue cheese dressing (optional)

- Carrot and celery sticks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels.

2. If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats.

3. Season the wings with salt and olive oil.

4. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the wings for 25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

5. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes, continuing to shake the basket periodically.

6. While the wings are cooking, make your sauce by combining Frank's RedHot sauce, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a large mixing bowl.

7. Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce until they're fully coated.

8. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing and carrot and celery sticks on the side, if desired.

Tips:

- For crispier wings, cook them for a total of 25 minutes. For juicier wings, cook for 22 minutes.

- If you're using frozen wings, start by cooking them at a lower temperature (350°F) for 10 minutes to help them thaw before increasing the heat and following the rest of the recipe.

- To ensure even cooking, avoid stacking or overlapping the wings in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.

- For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of Tabasco to your sauce.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried food at home without the mess of traditional frying methods. They use hot air circulated by a fan to cook and crisp up food, giving it a fried texture without submerging it in oil. This method is healthier and uses less oil than deep-frying or pan-frying, and it's also faster than using a full-size oven.

When choosing an air fryer, there are a few things to consider:

Type of Air Fryer

There are two main types of air fryers: basket-style and oven-style. Basket-style air fryers have a tub or basket that you pull out to put food in and are usually more basic and affordable. They tend to range from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts in capacity. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are like toaster ovens with additional features for different types of cooking. They have a larger capacity and often come with more functions but are generally more expensive.

Capacity

Air fryers come in various capacities, from small 2-quart models to larger ones that can cook a whole chicken or turkey. Consider how many people you'll be cooking for regularly and choose a size that can accommodate your needs. If you plan to cook for a crowd, you may need to cook in batches or opt for a larger model.

Advanced Features

Some air fryers have additional settings like dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking, combining multiple appliances into one. Others have preset buttons for specific foods, which can be helpful if you want convenience. Some models also have a "keep warm" function to keep your food hot and crispy.

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most models fall around the $100 mark. You don't have to spend a lot to get a good-performing air fryer, but more expensive models may offer additional features or a larger capacity.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are many options to choose from, including well-known names like Black+Decker, Cuisinart, Ninja, Instant, and Philips.

In summary, the right air fryer for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and cooking needs. Consider the type, capacity, features, and price to make an informed decision.

Preparing the wings

First, you'll want to pat your wings dry with paper towels. This will help them get ultra-crispy! If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats. You can do this by slicing through the joint that connects the two. You can also remove and discard the wing tips or save them for stock.

Next, season your wings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add some extra spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. If you're using Frank's RedHot sauce, you can skip the salt as the sauce is already quite salty. Place your seasoned wings in a large mixing bowl and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for more intense flavour.

Now it's time to cook the wings! Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the wings inside, making sure they are in a single layer with no stacking. This will ensure the hot air can circulate properly and give you crispy wings. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the wings for 10 minutes. Then, flip the wings over and cook for another 10 minutes.

To get that extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 6 minutes.

Tips for Preparing the Wings

• Always blot the wings of any excess moisture with a paper towel before air frying.
• Avoid stacking or crowding the wings in the air fryer basket.
• Flip the wings halfway through the first round of cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Give the basket a little shake from time to time if you feel your wings aren't crisping up enough.
• Hit the wings with high heat at the end to get that perfect crisp.

Cooking the wings

Now that you've gathered all the ingredients, it's time to cook the wings. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect Frank's hot wings using your air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Before you begin cooking, it's important to prepare the wings properly. Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring that your wings will become nice and crispy during the cooking process.

If you've purchased whole wings, you'll need to separate them into drumettes and flats. Use a sharp knife to cut through the joint that connects the two parts. You can discard the wing tips or save them for making homemade chicken stock.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Seasoning the wings is a crucial step in enhancing their flavor. Liberally season the wings with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper, depending on your taste preferences.

Step 3: Air Fry the Wings

Coat the air fryer basket or tray with a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each wing, promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Set the air fryer temperature and cooking time according to your preferred level of crispiness. For juicier wings, cook at 380°F for 20-22 minutes. If you prefer crispier wings, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are cooking, it's time to prepare the mouthwatering buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients, including Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences and spice tolerance.

Step 5: Toss the Wings in Sauce

Once the wings are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and place them into a large mixing bowl. Immediately toss the wings in the buffalo sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. The warmth of the wings will help warm up the sauce and make it stick to the wings beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Frank's hot wings are now ready to be devoured! Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or even a homemade blue cheese dip. Don't forget to slice up some carrot and celery sticks on the side for a refreshing crunch. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and share them with your family and friends!

Making the sauce

For a mild buffalo wing sauce, use more butter. For a hotter sauce, add more of the hot sauce.

Some recipes suggest adding olive oil and salt to the wings before cooking to make them crispier. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper to taste.

Serving suggestions

Frank's RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce is a key ingredient in making hot wings in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions to go with your wings:

Sauces

• Buffalo Sauce: A classic choice, with varying levels of heat and tanginess.
• Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: This creamy dip balances the spice of wings beautifully.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: A tangy and pungent dip that pairs wonderfully with hot wings.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and slightly tangy, a delightful contrast to spicy wings.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, smoky, or spicy, depending on the variety, adding depth to the wings.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory option that complements wings beautifully. Sprinkle with green onions for added flavor.
• Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and creamy, offering a kick of heat to the wings.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky, a luxurious option for wings.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, a unique twist for dipping wings.
• Soy-Ginger Glaze: A flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings that work wonders with wings.

Sides

• French Fries: Whether they're air-fried, baked, or fried, these are a great side to wings.
• Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons: A cooling side to pair with hot and spicy chicken wings.
• Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: A healthy side dish to serve with honey-garlic wings.
• Blue Cheese Coleslaw: A tangy cookout side dish for sweet barbecue chicken wings.
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: The flavors of ranch dressing and buffalo chicken wings are a perfect match.
• Homemade Soft Pretzels: Salty, addictive, and browned on the outside with a tender interior—these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A filling, Southern-style dish to turn wings into a full meal.
• Air Fryer Onion Rings: A healthier, crispy, and crunchy snack to serve with honey-garlic or teriyaki chicken wings.
• Carrot and Celery Sticks: Perfect for taming down spicy chicken wings.
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries: A healthy, crispy side that's easy to make at home.
• Cowboy Caviar: A Tex-Mex-inspired dip that's a great appetizer or side dish.
• Pigs in a Blanket: A classic appetizer for kids and adults alike—these will be the first thing to go at your party!

Frequently asked questions