Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Juicy, Crispy Perfection

Chicken wings are a popular dish for many, but they can be time-consuming to make and often require a lot of oil for frying. However, with an air fryer, you can make juicy chicken wings with a fraction of the oil and in less than 25 minutes!

To make juicy chicken wings in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

- Chicken wings (separated into drums and flats)

- Olive oil or neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

- Seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)

- Baking powder (optional, but helps create a crispy skin)

- Prep the chicken wings by separating them into drums and flats.

- Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

- Place the wings into a bowl and add oil, seasonings, and baking powder (if using). Toss to coat the wings evenly.

- Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.

- Air fry the wings for 10 minutes at 380-400°F, then flip them over.

- Continue air frying for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

- Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips or sauces.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy juicy and crispy chicken wings without the mess and hassle of deep frying. Enjoy your delicious air-fried chicken wings!

Choose the right air fryer

Choosing the Right Air Fryer

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right air fryer for you. Firstly, think about the capacity you require. Air fryers come in various sizes, so select one that suits your needs. If you have a large family or frequently cook for a crowd, opt for a bigger model.

Next, consider the temperature range. Different air fryers have different temperature ranges, so if you want to be able to cook a variety of foods, look for a fryer that can reach temperatures above 400°F, and also has a lower minimum temperature if you want to slowly reheat or dehydrate food.

Then, think about whether you want an air fryer with cooking presets. Many air fryers come with preset cooking programs for different types of food, which can be a real time-saver and make the cooking process easier, especially if you're a beginner.

Finally, consider any accessories that might be useful to you, such as baking pans or stackable racks, and whether these are included with the air fryer or easily available to purchase separately.

Ninja Air Fryer ($159.99)

A versatile and affordable option with a wide temperature range and a timer. It has a large capacity of up to 5.5 quarts, making it ideal for cooking for larger groups or meal prepping.

Dash Tasti-Crisp ($39.99)

The compact Dash Tasti-Crisp is perfect for those with limited kitchen space or who only cook for one or two people. It's lightweight and small, with a 2.6-quart basket, and it's very affordable at under $40.

Philips Air Fryer (XXL) ($180)

The Philips Air Fryer range is a high-end option that offers precise temperature control and a variety of cooking presets. It has a sleek and modern design, and owners rave about its durability, performance, and ease of cleaning. You can choose between smaller and larger models depending on your needs.

Instant Vortex Air Fryer ($99.95)

From the makers of Instant Pot, this air fryer is a budget-friendly option with a huge 6-quart capacity. It has a wide temperature range, six cooking modes, and it even comes with a grill plate and skewer set, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes.

Use fresh chicken wings

Using fresh chicken wings is the best way to get crispy results when cooking chicken wings in an air fryer oven. If you only have frozen wings, it is recommended to thaw them first. Air frying uses rapidly circulating hot air to crisp the food, and this is best achieved with fresh wings.

How to Prepare Fresh Chicken Wings for the Air Fryer Oven

Firstly, you will need to separate the wings into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted and pat them dry completely—this will help them get crispy.

Seasoning Fresh Chicken Wings for the Air Fryer Oven

Place the fresh chicken wings into a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings to ensure they are completely coated. You can also add a little baking powder to the mixture, as this will help make the skin extra crispy.

Cooking Fresh Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer Oven

Preheat your air fryer oven to 400°F for a few minutes. Then, add the seasoned wings in a single layer—they should not be touching. Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F. After the timer goes off, carefully flip over the chicken wings and cook for a further 8 minutes.

Serving Fresh Chicken Wings

Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer oven and serve with your favorite dips and sides, such as blue cheese, ranch dressing, or a simple wedge salad.

Dry the wings thoroughly

Drying the chicken wings thoroughly is a crucial step in achieving the desired crispiness when cooking them in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your chicken wings are sufficiently dry:

Before you begin, make sure you have paper towels ready. You will need these to pat the chicken wings dry.

Firstly, take each chicken wing and use a paper towel to blot any visible moisture. Ensure you cover all surfaces of the wing, including the crevices and joints. This step is essential because any excess moisture will prevent the wings from crisping up during the air frying process.

Next, place the wings onto a clean plate or surface and use additional paper towels to gently press down on the wings once more. This step helps remove any remaining moisture that the previous blotting may have missed.

Finally, if you have time, allow the wings to air dry for a few minutes. This extra step will ensure that any remaining surface moisture evaporates, guaranteeing your chicken wings are as dry as possible before they go into the air fryer.

By thoroughly drying your chicken wings, you'll be well on your way to achieving that perfect, crispy texture that makes air-fried chicken wings so delicious!

Use a single layer of wings

When cooking chicken wings in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This allows for even cooking and helps to achieve the desired crispiness. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it is crucial to leave space between the wings for the air to flow freely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning and cooking. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispiness.
• Use a paper towel to absorb any moisture from the air fryer basket before placing the wings inside.
• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the wings.
• Flip or shake the wings periodically during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Increase the temperature towards the end of the cooking process for extra crispy skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Toss or shake the wings during cooking

Tossing or shaking the wings during cooking is an important step in ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

After placing the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the air fryer to the desired temperature and timer. Close the air fryer and let it cook for a few minutes. Then, open the air fryer and use tongs or a spatula to carefully toss or shake the wings. Close the air fryer and let them cook for a few more minutes. Repeat this process every few minutes until the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

• Use tongs or a spatula to handle the wings gently to avoid breaking the skin or meat.
• Ensure that the wings are in a single layer and not overlapping during cooking. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.
• If your air fryer has a non-stick coating or surface, you may not need to use oil or cooking spray. However, if your air fryer basket tends to stick, you can use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of wings you are cooking, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If you are using a sauce or glaze, add it during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the wings from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions