Air Fryer Hot Wings: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

Making hot wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy wings at home. Here's a simple recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

- 2 pounds of chicken wings

- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

- 1/2 tablespoon of neutral oil (such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)

- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt

- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper

- Your choice of sauce for tossing or dipping (e.g. buffalo sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce)

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. In a bowl, season the chicken wings with salt, white pepper, baking powder, and oil. Mix until the wings are evenly coated.

3. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap.

4. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.

5. Flip the wings and air fry again for 8-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve with your choice of sauce or enjoy as is!

Tips

- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each wing to make them crispy. If needed, cook the wings in multiple batches.

- The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings, so adjust accordingly.

- For extra crispy skin, dunk the wings in sauce instead of tossing them in a bowl.

Choosing and preparing your wings

Choosing Your Wings:

• Opt for chicken wings that are already split into drumsticks and wingettes, or flats and drumettes. This will make it easier to cook them evenly.
• Alternatively, you can buy whole chicken wings, which are usually less expensive, and split them yourself using a sharp knife.
• Look for wings with a good amount of skin, as this will help ensure crispiness.
• If you're making a large batch, allow for 2 pounds of chicken wings per person.

Preparing Your Wings:

• If your wings are frozen, make sure to defrost them thoroughly. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to defrost, and ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.
• Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as it will help the wings get crispy.
• If desired, you can rinse the wings under cold water before patting them dry. This can help remove any bone spurs or residue from processing.
• Season your wings generously with salt, and other seasonings of your choice. You can also marinate them for 30 minutes to overnight for extra flavour.
• For a basic seasoning blend, try a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• For a spicier option, add some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to your seasoning blend.
• If you're short on time, you can simply season the wings with salt and pepper and still get delicious results.
• For extra crispiness, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of baking powder to the seasoning blend.

Once your wings are chosen and prepared, it's time to cook them in your air fryer! Follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your wings are cooked through and crispy. Enjoy!

Air fryer settings and timings

The settings and timings for your air fryer chicken wings will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the quantity of wings you are cooking, and how crispy you like your wings.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F.

Air Fryer Timings

For juicy wings, air fry for 22 minutes. If you like your wings extra crispy, increase the cooking time to between 25 and 30 minutes. Shake the basket or toss the wings with tongs every 5 to 6 minutes during cooking.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Pat the wings dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the wings in batches if necessary.
• Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer.
• Increase the heat to 390°F for the last 5 to 6 minutes of cooking to make the wings extra crispy.

Sauces and dips

A classic combination is to toss the wings in a mixture of hot sauce and butter before serving. For this, you can use a cayenne pepper hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot® Original, and serve with blue cheese and celery sticks on the side.

If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, try a spicy buffalo sauce. You can make your own by combining hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder, or use a store-bought version.

For those who prefer a milder option, blue cheese or ranch dressing are always a good choice. You can even make your own blue cheese sauce by combining blue cheese dressing with a few tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola.

If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other sauces and dips to explore. Thai sweet chili sauce will give your wings an Asian-inspired twist, while BBQ sauce is a classic, kid-friendly option. For something a little different, try drizzling your wings with hot honey, or serving them with a side of Cilantro Lime Dip.

Whatever sauce or dip you choose, your wings are sure to be a delicious treat!

Crispy wings: do's and don'ts

Crispy Wings: Dos and Don'ts

Do:

• Dry the wings before seasoning and cooking. This will help the skin to puff up and blister, creating a crispy texture.
• Use baking powder to soak up excess moisture and dry out the skin. This will also help create a crispy coating.
• Add oil to the wings before cooking. This helps the seasoning stick and makes the wings crispier.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are done when they reach at least 165°F.
• Cook wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between them to allow air to circulate. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Be flexible with cooking time, as wing sizes vary. Larger wings may need more time at a lower temperature to render the fat and cook through, while smaller wings may need less time.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Don't:

• Overlap the wings in the air fryer. This will prevent air from circulating and crisping up the wings.
• Crowd the air fryer basket – try to avoid having the wings touch, if possible.
• Use baking soda instead of baking powder. Baking soda will leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Forget to season the wings – a simple combination of salt and pepper will do, but you can also try more complex spice blends like lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or garlic Parmesan.
• Overcook the wings – they are done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Toss the wings in sauce before serving if you want the crispiest skin. Instead, dunk or dip the wings in your favorite sauce.

Air fryer recommendations

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy and juicy wings without the mess of deep frying. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an air fryer for making wings.

First, consider the size of the air fryer. If you plan on making large batches of wings, look for an air fryer with a larger capacity, such as the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, which has a 7-quart capacity. For smaller batches, a 5-quart air fryer should be sufficient.

Second, pay attention to the temperature range of the air fryer. Wings are typically cooked at temperatures between 360-400°F, so look for an air fryer that can reach these temperatures. Some air fryers also have preset programs specifically for cooking wings, which can be convenient.

Third, consider the type of air fryer. There are two main types of air fryers: basket-style air fryers and toaster oven-style air fryers. Basket-style air fryers tend to be more compact and affordable, while toaster oven-style air fryers offer more cooking flexibility. If you plan on cooking multiple batches of wings, a basket-style air fryer might be a better option to avoid overcrowding.

• PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer: This air fryer has a 7-quart capacity and can cook wings in a single layer, ensuring even cooking. It also has a non-stick basket for easy cleanup.
• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven: This 6-quart air fryer has a large capacity and can accommodate multiple wings at once. It also has a broil function, which can be useful for getting the wings extra crispy.
• COSORI Air Fryer: This 5.8-quart air fryer has a large capacity and an easy-to-use interface. It also comes with a recipe book that includes instructions for cooking wings.
• Ninja Air Fryer: The Ninja Air Fryer is a popular option that comes in various sizes, ranging from 4 to 10 quarts. It has a ceramic-coated basket that is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
• Instant Vortex Air Fryer: This 6-quart air fryer has a large capacity and can cook wings evenly in a single layer. It also has a removable drip pan to catch any excess oil or grease.

When choosing an air fryer for making wings, consider the size, temperature range, and type of air fryer that best suits your needs. Look for air fryers with a large capacity, adjustable temperature settings, and easy-to-clean features for the best results.

Frequently asked questions