Air-Fried Homemade Hot Wings: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

Making hot wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crunchy exterior and moist interior. It's healthier than deep-frying, and you won't have to deal with hot oil splattering on your stove.

The key to getting crispy wings is to ensure they're well-seasoned and not overlapping in the air fryer so that air can circulate freely. You can also add baking powder to the wings to help make the skin extra crispy.

For classic Buffalo wings, toss the cooked wings in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce. Serve with blue cheese and celery sticks on the side.

Choosing the right air fryer

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right air fryer. Here are some tips to help you select the best one for your needs:

• Price: Air fryers range in price from $30 to $260, with most falling around the $100 mark. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good-quality air fryer.
• Capacity: Most air fryers are designed to fit neatly on your countertop and may not be big enough to cook for a large group, so consider the capacity you need. Some air fryers have a larger basket size of 5 quarts or more, while others are smaller, with a capacity of under 5 quarts.
• Advanced features: Look for an air fryer with settings you know you will use. Some models have additional presets for specific foods, dehydration, baking, and rotisserie functions, combining the features of multiple appliances into one.
• Warranty: Air fryer warranties vary, with some offering as little as 60 days of coverage, while others provide one to three years of protection. Consider the warranty when making your decision.
• Basket-style vs. oven-style: Basket-style air fryers are more basic and affordable, but they take up counter space. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are like toaster ovens with more features. They are usually more high-tech and expensive.
• Solo air fryer: These are the most basic and budget-friendly option, with a cylindrical base and a basket for food. They come in various sizes, from 2 to 7 quarts, and offer digital or manual controls.
• Air frying toaster oven: These models function like countertop toaster ovens but with an air fry function. They are ideal if you want an additional oven with more capabilities, such as broiling, roasting, and baking. They are generally more expensive, starting at around $150.
• Air fryer and multicooker: These are the most advanced and versatile air fryers, combining air frying with other functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, and rice cooking. They are a good option if you want multiple functions but have limited kitchen space.

Preparing the wings

Firstly, you'll want to start with the right cut of chicken. You can purchase chicken wings that are already separated into drumettes and wingettes, or you can buy whole wings and cut them yourself. To separate the wings, use a sharp knife to cut between the wing tip and the flat, and then between the flat and drumette. You can discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock.

Once you have your desired number of wings, it's time to season them. Place the wings in a large bowl and add your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, or even a lemon pepper seasoning blend. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavours. After seasoning, give the wings a good mix to ensure they are evenly coated.

Before placing the wings in the air fryer, it's important to pat them dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the wings crisp up during cooking. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil at this stage to enhance the crispiness.

Now it's time to arrange the wings in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer, with a little space between them to allow for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the wings in multiple batches.

With the wings nicely arranged, it's time to set the temperature and cooking time. For crispy wings, most recipes recommend cooking at around 360-400°F for 18-25 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. If you prefer juicier wings, aim for a slightly lower temperature and shorter cooking time. Don't be afraid to experiment to find the perfect setting for your taste.

During cooking, it's important to shake the basket or toss the wings occasionally to ensure even cooking. This will help prevent the wings from sticking and promote even browning.

Once the wings are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and toss them with your favourite sauce. You can use a classic buffalo sauce, a spicy garlic sauce, a sweet and sticky BBQ sauce, or even a tangy lemon pepper sauce. The possibilities are endless!

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your delicious, crispy, homemade hot wings. Don't forget to serve them with your favourite dipping sauces and some crunchy carrot and celery sticks on the side.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for homemade hot wings in an air fryer will depend on the size of your wings, the quantity you are cooking, and your desired level of crispiness.

For example, if you are cooking 2 pounds of wings in a large air fryer, you will want to cook them for 23-24 minutes. Start by cooking them at 360ºF to render the fat and skin, and then finish the wings at 390ºF to ensure they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. If you are cooking a larger quantity of wings, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are not overlapping in the air fryer.

If you prefer your wings on the juicier side, you can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. For example, cooking the wings at 400°F for 22 minutes will yield a juicier but slightly less crisp wing. For crispier wings, cook them for 25 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to cook wings in the air fryer for 20-30 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Sauces and dips

If you want to stick to the classic, you can't go wrong with a store-bought blue cheese sauce or dressing. You can also make your own by combining blue cheese or gorgonzola with a store-bought dressing.

For the hot sauce, Frank's RedHot is a popular choice, but any hot sauce will do. You can also make your own by mixing hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different sauces and spices, such as lemon pepper, hoisin, gochujang, or sriracha.

Other popular dipping sauces and wing sauces include ranch, BBQ, honey garlic, honey mustard, Thai sweet chili, and buffalo. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try hot honey or spicy honey garlic.

Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect combination!

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have any leftover wings, you can store them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.

When it comes to reheating your wings, the air fryer is your best friend. It's the perfect method to get crispy skin and tender meat without drying them out. Here's what you need to do:

• Take the desired amount of wings out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. If needed, cook in batches.
• Spritz the wings with cooking spray.
• Reheat for 2-5 minutes, or up to 10 minutes, until they're warmed through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For sauced wings, it's recommended to use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to avoid a mess and keep the sauce on the wings. Reheat sauced wings for 4-5 minutes at 350°F.

Frequently asked questions