Air Fryer Party Wings: The Perfect Crispy, Juicy Treat

Chicken wings are a great snack for parties, and making them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. The air fryer method is quicker than baking and delivers a similar result.

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

- Chicken wings

- Olive oil

- Salt

- Pepper

- Garlic powder

- Paprika

- Baking powder

- Lemon pepper seasoning

First, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, season the wings with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. Mix until the wings are evenly coated.

Next, place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F. After 10 minutes, flip the wings and air fry for another 8-12 minutes at 400°F until they are crispy and golden brown.

You can serve the wings as is, or toss them in your favourite sauce, such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!

Choosing and Preparing the Wings

For the best results, it is recommended that you use fresh chicken wings, not frozen. If you only have frozen wings, it is best to thaw them first. This is because air frying uses rapidly circulating hot air to crisp the food, and this method works best with fresh wings.

If you are using whole chicken wings, you will need to cut them. Use a sharp butcher's knife or kitchen scissors to cut right at the joint that joins the drum and flat. Then, cut the wing tips from the flat. You can discard the tips or save them to make chicken stock later.

Once you have the wing drumettes and flats, use a paper towel to pat them dry. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the wings crisp up during the air frying process. If there is any excess moisture, the wings will steam instead of crisp.

Place the wings in a large bowl and add the oil, tossing to coat. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil of your choice.

Next, add your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, oregano, ground mustard, or even a ranch seasoning mix. For extra crispy wings, add a little baking powder to the mixture.

Mix well to ensure that all the wings are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Seasoning the Wings

Pat the Wings Dry:

Before adding any seasoning or oil, it is essential to pat the wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the wings is vital for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Prepare Your Seasoning Mix:

In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. A simple and classic blend includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. However, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. Some popular options include lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, rosemary, and ground mustard. You can also add a little baking powder to the mix, as it helps create an extra crispy skin.

Coat the Wings:

Place your wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. Then, sprinkle your seasoning mix generously over the wings and toss again until each wing is well coated. You can also place the wings and seasonings in a large ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to ensure an even coating.

Single Layer in the Air Fryer:

When placing the seasoned wings in the air fryer, make sure they are arranged in a single layer with a little space between them. This ensures that hot air can circulate freely around each wing, promoting even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches.

Flip and Air Fry Again:

After the initial air frying, the wings might look a bit pale and underwhelming, but don't worry! Give them a good flip and return them to the air fryer for a second round of cooking. This time, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as the exact time may vary depending on the size of your wings.

Sauce It Up (Optional):

Your wings will be delicious as is, but if you want to take them to the next level, consider tossing them in your favorite sauce. You can go for a classic buffalo sauce, a tangy BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha-based sauce. Just remember, if you're aiming for maximum crispiness, it's best to dunk the wings in the sauce rather than tossing them in a bowl.

Air Frying the Wings

Preparing the Wings

First, you'll want to prep the chicken wings. If you have whole wings, separate them into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted and pat them dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

Seasoning the Wings

Place the wings into a bowl and add your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple blend of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other spices like lemon pepper, smoked paprika, rosemary, oregano, or ground mustard. Toss the wings to ensure they're evenly coated.

Air Frying Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't touching. For extra crispy skin, you can spray the wings with a little oil before air frying.

Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F, then carefully flip them over. Close the air fryer and cook for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy air-fried wings can be enjoyed as is or tossed in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey garlic sauce. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple wedge salad.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Use fresh, defrosted wings for the best results.
• Pat the wings dry before seasoning to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent them from crisping up.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the wings in a single layer with a little space between them to allow for even cooking and crisping.
• Increase the temperature during the last few minutes of cooking for extra crispy skin.
• For even cooking, shake or flip the wings a few times during the cooking process.
• If you like your wings extra crispy, add a little baking powder to the seasoning mix.

Now you're ready to impress your guests with delicious, crispy air-fried wings! Enjoy!

Sauces and Sides

Sauces

There are many sauces that you can use to dip your air fryer chicken wings in or coat them with. Here are some ideas:

• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Honey garlic sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Hot sauce
• Thai sweet chilli sauce

Sides

There are also many side dishes that you can serve with your air fryer chicken wings. Here are some ideas:

• Celery and carrot sticks
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Mac and cheese
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Corn on the cob
• Tater tots
• Wedge salad

Tips and Tricks

Making party wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious appetizer or meal. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your wings turn out perfectly crispy and juicy:

Pat the Wings Dry

Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry before adding any seasonings or placing them in the air fryer. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy skin. If the wings are too moist, they will steam instead of crisping.

Use a Single Layer

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and crisping. If needed, cook the wings in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the wings. This step ensures the air fryer is at the desired temperature, promoting even cooking and crisping.

Flip the Wings

Flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your wings and your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Increase Temperature for Extra Crispness

For the crispiest skin, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F during the last few minutes of cooking. This final blast of heat will give your wings that irresistible crunch.

Experiment with Seasonings and Sauces

While a basic combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is tasty, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces. Try a dry rub, or toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese on the side.

Reheating and Storage

Air fryer wings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes. Store any uneaten wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions