Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings: The Perfect Recipe

Chicken wings are a popular snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers provide a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to deep frying.

Air-fried chicken wings are best served crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The key to achieving this is to ensure the wings are patted dry before cooking and that the air fryer is not overcrowded, allowing air to circulate.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the wings and the air fryer being used, but generally, wings will take around 20 minutes to cook. Wings can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, such as lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and hot sauce.

How to prep the chicken wings

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken wings, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some baking powder to make the wings extra crispy.

Prepping the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This will help them get crispy. If your wings are full, separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted. Place the wings into a bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat.

Seasoning the Chicken Wings

Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to completely coat the wings. You can also add in your favourite seasoning blend.

How to season the chicken wings

How to Season Chicken Wings for the Air Fryer

Chicken wings are a delicious and easy meal to cook up in the air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your wings.

Pat the Wings Dry

Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry before you begin. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure the wings get nice and crispy.

Use Oil

Coating the wings in a little oil before adding any other seasonings will help to get that crispy texture. Olive oil is a good option, but you can also use avocado oil, or a non-stick cooking spray.

Use Baking Powder

Adding a little baking powder to the wings will help to create an extra crispy skin. It works by drawing out moisture and creating tiny air bubbles.

Seasonings

There are so many ways to season your chicken wings, but here are some popular options:

• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• White pepper
• Salt

How to Cook

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook in batches if you need to.

Cook at a lower heat for the first half of the cooking time, then increase the temperature to get the wings extra crispy.

Dipping Sauces

Chicken wings are great with a dipping sauce. Here are some ideas:

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Thai sweet chilli sauce

How to cook the chicken wings in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Baking powder

Method

• First, prep the 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 drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to completely coat the wings.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Add 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. Cook for 8 more minutes.
• Remove the chicken wings and serve.

Tips

• For extra crispiness, add a little baking powder to the mixture.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. This ensures that the air can flow through and crisp up the skin.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. Wings come in various sizes so if your wings are larger, you might need to increase the cooking time.

How to store leftover wings

It's important to store leftover chicken wings properly to keep them safe and delicious. Here are some tips on how to store leftover wings:

• Use airtight containers: Place the leftover wings in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will help prevent the wings from drying out and absorbing unwanted odors.
• Maintain temperature control: Keep your fridge temperature below 40°F (4°C). This temperature range is crucial as it inhibits bacteria growth.
• Separate raw and cooked meat: Always store leftover cooked chicken wings separately from raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
• Store for a limited time: Cooked chicken wings can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best to consume them within this timeframe to ensure optimal freshness and food safety.
• Reheat properly: When ready to enjoy your leftover wings, avoid using the microwave, as it may leave them soggy. Instead, utilize an oven or air fryer for better results. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the wings on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until crispy. For an air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F-400°F and air fry each side for 5-7 minutes.

How to reheat chicken wings in the air fryer

You've made a big batch of delicious, crispy chicken wings and now you want to reheat them in your air fryer. Here's how to do it:

Step 1:

Place your leftover chicken wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them. You may need to reheat in batches depending on how many wings you have.

Step 2:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).

Step 3:

Place the basket in the air fryer and reheat for 2-4 minutes, or until the wings are heated through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F (74°C).

Tips:

• It is best to eat chicken wings fresh, on the day you cook them.
• If your wings have been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it is best to discard them, as harmful bacteria may be growing.
• You can store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Frequently asked questions