Make Crispier Wings: Air Fryer Secrets

There are several ways to make chicken wings crispier in an air fryer. One of the most popular methods is to use baking powder, which reacts with the chicken skin to raise its pH level and create tiny air bubbles, resulting in a crispy coating. Other tips include drying the wings as much as possible before cooking, using oil, and cooking at different temperatures.

Use baking powder

Baking powder is a surprising "secret" ingredient that makes the crispiest wings in an air fryer. It is crucial and should not be skipped. It helps to draw out moisture from the skin, making it dry and extra crispy. Be careful not to use baking soda, which will leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

How to Use Baking Powder to Make Crispy Wings in an Air Fryer:

• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is important as moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
• In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, olive oil (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. It's okay if they touch slightly, but try to avoid having their entire sides touching.
• Air fry at a lower temperature first (around 250°F) for about 15 minutes.
• Flip the wings over and increase the temperature to 400-430°F. Air fry for another 15-20 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and cooked through.

Tips for Extra Crispy Wings:

• Use aluminium-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
• Ensure the wings are thoroughly dry before coating. This will help achieve a fine coating of baking powder and maximize crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow space for air to circulate and crisp up the skin.
• Check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Dry the wings

The first step to achieving super crispy chicken wings in the air fryer is to pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps remove any excess moisture from the wings, ensuring they crisp up nicely during cooking. Make sure to get them as dry as possible.

Some recipes suggest sprinkling baking powder on both sides of the wings and lightly rubbing it in. This step helps to soak up any remaining moisture, further drying out the skin. However, it's important to note that this step is optional and not all recipes include it.

Once the wings are dry, you can move on to the next step of seasoning and preparing the air fryer.

Use oil

Using oil is a great way to get your chicken wings extra crispy in the air fryer. Here are some tips on how to use oil to achieve that perfect crispiness:

Choose the Right Oil

The type of oil you use can make a difference in the crispiness of your chicken wings. Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil, are ideal for air frying. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning and provide a crispy texture.

Amount of Oil

When using oil, a little goes a long way. You only need a small amount of oil to get that crispy texture. A light drizzle or a few tablespoons should be enough, depending on the number of wings you are cooking. You can always add more if needed, but it's essential not to overuse oil, as it can make your wings greasy.

Coating the Wings

To ensure even crispiness, coat the chicken wings with oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can do this by placing the wings in a large bowl, drizzling them with oil, and tossing them until they are evenly coated. Alternatively, you can place the wings in a resealable bag with the oil, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Make sure all sides of the wings are lightly coated with oil.

Combining with Other Ingredients

Oil can be combined with other ingredients to enhance the crispiness of your chicken wings. For example, combining oil with baking powder, salt, and pepper can help to create an even crispier coating. The baking powder absorbs moisture, helping to dry out the skin, while the oil helps the seasoning stick to the wings and promotes crisping.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Even with the best oil and seasoning, your chicken wings may not crisp up properly if the air fryer is overcrowded. Make sure to leave space between the wings so that air can circulate freely. It's better to cook the wings in batches if needed to ensure proper airflow and even crisping.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to achieve deliciously crispy chicken wings using oil and your air fryer!

Don't overlap wings in the air fryer

Don't overlap the wings in the air fryer. This is because air fryers work by circulating air around the food, so if the wings are overlapping, there will be no room for air to circulate, and the wings won't crisp up. If your wings are overlapping, you may need to cook them in two batches.

Use high heat

Using high heat is a great way to get your chicken wings extra crispy in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they will become. Make sure to remove any excess moisture from the wings. You can also use kitchen roll to ensure the wings are as dry as possible before coating them. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness.

Next, season your chicken wings. Place them in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of baking powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. Toss the wings in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the seasonings. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil to help the seasoning adhere better and enhance crispiness.

Now, it's time to arrange the chicken wings in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. It's crucial to allow adequate airflow around each wing for even cooking and maximum crispiness. If your air fryer basket is not big enough, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

For the cooking process, start by air frying the chicken wings at a lower temperature. Aim for around 250°F (121°C) for about 15 minutes. This step helps render the fat and make the meat juicy. Then, increase the temperature to a higher setting, ideally 400°F (204°C) or higher, and continue air frying for another 15 to 20 minutes. This high heat is the key to getting your chicken wings extra crispy.

Finally, don't forget to flip the wings during the cooking process. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip them manually or shake the basket periodically to ensure even cooking. By following these steps and using high heat, you will achieve perfectly crispy chicken wings that are golden brown and delicious!

Frequently asked questions