Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Chicken wings are a delicious snack, appetiser, or meal, and they're even better when they're crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Air fryers are a great way to achieve this without deep-frying or spending a long time cooking them in the oven.

Here's a simple recipe for making ranch chicken wings in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

- Chicken wings

- Olive oil

- Paprika

- Garlic powder

- Salt and pepper

- Parsley

- Ranch dressing

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken wings with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Place the wings in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.

3. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook until they are golden brown and crispy.

4. Garnish with parsley and serve with ranch dressing on the side.

Tips:

- Pat the chicken wings dry before marinating to remove excess moisture and help them get crispy.

- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed.

- Increase the temperature during the last few minutes of cooking for extra crispiness.

How to prep the chicken wings

Preparing the chicken wings is a crucial step in making delicious ranch chicken wings in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to prep the chicken wings:

Defrost the Chicken Wings:

If your chicken wings are frozen, it is essential to defrost them before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to ensure they are completely thawed. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired crispiness.

Separate the Wings:

If you have purchased whole chicken wings, separate them into drums and flats. This step ensures that the wings cook evenly and allows for better air circulation in the air fryer.

Pat the Chicken Wings Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly. Removing excess moisture from the wings is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. This step ensures that the skin puffs up and blisters during the air frying process.

Season the Chicken Wings:

Place the defrosted and dried chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the wings and toss to coat them evenly. Then, add your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple combination of garlic salt and lemon pepper, or experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings well to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 380-400°F. Some air fryers may not require preheating, but it is always a good idea to check your specific model's instructions.

Now that your chicken wings are prepped and seasoned, you can proceed to cook them in the air fryer following the recipe instructions. Enjoy your delicious ranch chicken wings!

How to make the ranch seasoning

Ingredients

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Ranch seasoning
• Baking powder

Method

• Pat the chicken wings dry.
• Place the wings into a bowl.
• Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Toss to coat the wings.
• Add the wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the wings.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Garnish with parsley and serve with ranch dressing.

How to cook the chicken wings in the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Firstly, separate the wings into drums and flats. Make sure they are defrosted. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them get crispy.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings

Place the chicken wings into a bowl and add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add baking powder, which reacts with the chicken skin to create a crispy coating. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. You may also need to prepare the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray, olive oil spray, or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Wings

Place the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F. Then, flip the wings and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dips or sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce.

How to make the wings extra crispy

How to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Making chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy, juicy texture without the need for deep frying. Here are some tips to ensure your wings come out extra crispy:

Pat the Wings Dry

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

Use Baking Powder

Adding a little baking powder to the seasoning mixture will help make the skin extra crispy. It soaks up extra moisture and helps dry out the skin. Make sure to use baking powder and not baking soda, as baking soda will leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching too much. This allows the air to circulate freely and ensures even cooking and crispiness. If needed, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Toss and Flip the Wings

Toss the wings every 3-5 minutes during cooking for even cooking and crispiness. After the first half of the cooking time, flip the wings over, increase the air fryer temperature, and continue cooking until crispy.

Increase the Temperature

Cooking the wings at a higher temperature for the last few minutes will give you that extra crispy skin. Aim for around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reheating and Storage

To reheat leftover wings, place them in the preheated air fryer and cook at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until heated through. Wings are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How to serve the wings

There are many ways to serve your homemade ranch chicken wings. Here are some ideas:

Dipping Sauces

Try serving your wings with a side of your favourite dipping sauce. Popular sauces include ranch, BBQ, blue cheese, buffalo, and honey mustard. You could also make your own sauce by mixing cayenne pepper, butter, and hot sauce.

Sides

There are lots of side dishes that go well with chicken wings. Why not try serving them with corn on the cob, French fries, tater tots, mac and cheese, or a simple wedge salad? For a healthier option, opt for carrot or celery sticks.

Spices and Seasonings

If you want to add some extra flavour to your wings, try experimenting with different spices and seasonings. You could try chipotle, sriracha, lemon pepper, old bay, or Jamaican jerk.

Frequently asked questions