Air Fryer Wings: Seasoning Secrets For Crispy Perfection

Chicken wings are a delicious snack, appetizer, or meal. They can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep time and in under 30 minutes. The key to crispy wings is to ensure they are dry before cooking and to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer. You can use a variety of seasonings and sauces to flavour the wings, including lemon pepper, ranch, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make fried food at home without the mess and work of traditional frying. They cook food to crispy perfection with minimal oil and can also be used to reheat leftovers, cook pizza, toast and melt grilled cheese, roast veggies and meat, dehydrate herbs, and even bake treats.

There are two primary types of air fryers on the market: the conventional design with a drawer-like basket, and newer iterations that come with a mesh tray or rack. There are also toaster ovens with built-in air-frying modes. Choosing the right product depends on your particular needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an air fryer:

• Price: Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most tend to hover around $100, so you don't have to break the bank to get a high-performing air fryer.
• Capacity: Most air fryers are designed to fit neatly on your counter and aren't big enough to cook for a crowd unless you cook in batches. However, there are some larger models that can accommodate substantial batches of food, multiple cuts of meat, and even baking pans.
• Advanced features: Some air fryers have settings like dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking, combining the functionality of multiple appliances into one device. Others have preset buttons for particular foods and indicators to let you know when to check on your food. Many models also have a "keep warm" function.
• Warranty: The warranty period for air fryers can vary from 60 days to three years, so be sure to consider this when making your purchase.

When it comes to choosing between a basket-style or oven-style air fryer, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, style, and what you want to cook with it. Basket-style air fryers are usually more basic and affordable, but they take up more counter space. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, tend to be more high-tech, come with more functions, and cost more.

Preparing the wings

Defrosting and Cutting the Wings:

If you're using frozen wings, it's important to defrost them before cooking. Leave the frozen wings in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. Once they're thawed, separate the wings into drums and flats. You can also cut the wing tips off, though this is optional.

Drying the Wings:

Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as it ensures the wings get nice and crispy. Make sure to remove any excess moisture.

Marinating the Wings:

Place the wings in a large bowl and add your choice of oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are popular options). Then, 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, and more. Toss the wings to ensure they're evenly coated.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for a few minutes. Some recipes suggest preheating for as little as 2-3 minutes, while others recommend 5 minutes.

Cooking the Wings:

Place the marinated wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 380-400°F. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the wings carefully. Close the air fryer and continue cooking at the same temperature for 8-12 minutes.

For extra crispy skin, some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking.

Serving the Wings:

Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, or BBQ sauce.

Tips for Crispy Wings:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure the wings are in a single layer with a little space between them.
• Pat the wings dry before marinating to remove any excess moisture.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F during the final minutes of cooking for extra crispy skin.
• Don't overlap the wings during cooking. Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your wings. Smaller wings may need less time, while larger wings may need a few extra minutes.
• For the crispiest skin, dunk the wings in sauce instead of tossing them in a bowl.

Marinating the wings

Pat the Wings Dry:

Use paper towels to blot the chicken wings and eliminate any extra moisture. This phase is critical for achieving crispness when the wings are cooked.

Prepare the Marinade:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also use your favourite seasoning blend. For a kick, add some hot sauce to the marinade.

Coat the Wings:

Place the wings in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.

Single Layer Arrangement:

When placing the wings in the air fryer, ensure they are not overlapping. They should be arranged in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve that coveted crispiness.

Customise Your Flavours:

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favourite combinations. You can try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the marinade for a spicy kick. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore various flavour profiles.

Cooking the wings

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Serving the wings

Sauces

You can serve the wings with a variety of sauces, including:

• Buffalo wing sauce
• Thai sweet chilli sauce
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Hot honey

Sides

The wings can also be served with the following sides:

• Carrots and celery sticks
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and cheese
• Corn on the cob
• French fries
• Tater tots
• Creamy mac and cheese
• Salad

Reheating and Storage

Reheat any leftover wings in the air fryer at 360°F for 2-4 minutes. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Frequently asked questions