Air Fryer 360: The Perfect Wings Every Time

Chicken wings are a wonderful addition to any meal, but they are not the healthiest dish considering the fact that they are deep-fried. An air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air rapidly, creating a convection effect that results in the browning and crunchiness of the food without it being drenched in oil. With the use of an air fryer, you get to eat your delicious hot wings without feeling guilty and sick from all the oil consumed—a definite win for your health and your cravings.

Ingredients:

- Chicken wings

- Olive oil

- Salt

- Black pepper

- Paprika

- Cayenne pepper

- Garlic powder

- Onion powder

- Butter

- Minced garlic

- Chilli flakes

Method:

1. Start preparing the wings at least 1-2 hours prior to cooking.

2. Bend the wing tip until the joint is forced apart. Using a sharp knife, cut the tip of the wing off.

3. If a wing piece is larger than the size of your palm, proceed to cut them into two pieces and thoroughly wash the meat.

4. After washing the meat, place it onto a strainer or colander to let excess water out for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Transfer the wings from the strainer/colander to a large bowl and begin marinating by adding olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

6. Mix together all the ingredients as evenly as possible. Every wing piece should seem like it is coated. Allow the meat to marinate for an hour or two.

7. Place parchment paper onto the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 360 degrees for 12 minutes.

8. Place the marinated wings on the parchment paper and make sure the wings are not placed on top of one another.

9. Laying it out as evenly as possible on one level will result in each piece being cooked evenly.

10. Pull the basket out from the air fryer. After the 12 minutes is up, take the basket out of the air fryer and use a tong to flip each piece over.

11. Place the basket into the air fryer and restart the timer for another 12 minutes.

12. Start on the sauce mixture while the wings are cooking. In a pan with medium to high heat, add in the stick of butter.

13. After letting the butter melt for about 30-45 seconds, switch the heat to a low-medium power to make sure the butter does not burn.

14. Mix together the seasoning for the sauce. In a separate bowl, add minced garlic, chilli flakes, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

15. Place the seasoning mix into the pan with the butter. Add in hot sauce and mix once again to make sure there are no chunks of butter.

16. Switch back to medium to high heat and stir using a whisk. This will make sure the hot sauce and butter seasoning mix is combined. Add in a bit more of salt and pepper (optional).

17. Transfer the sauce mixture onto a separate bowl.

18. Pull the wings out and dip each one in the hot sauce mixture. Once the final 12 minutes have passed, you can take the wings out of the fryer and cover with sauce.

19. Brushing the wings can work, however, to get that spicy flavor deep in the wings, dipping the wings into the mixture a couple of times is effective.

20. Place the hot sauce-covered wings back into the basket. Set the timer for another 3 minutes to just ensure that the wings are coated and covered in sauce that sticks.

21. Transfer onto a plate and enjoy with a side of ranch or blue cheese.

How to cut chicken wings for the air fryer

Chicken wings can be purchased pre-separated into drumettes and wingettes, or you can separate them yourself. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut between the wing tip and the flat, then between the flat and drumette. Discard the tips or save them for your next batch of homemade chicken stock.

Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin to puff up and blister in the air fryer.

How to season chicken wings for the air fryer

Air fryer chicken wings are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make. The air fryer's fan and heating mechanism create a whirlwind of hot air that swirls down and around the wings, crisping up the skin to a golden perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken wings for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Firstly, you will need to separate the wings into drumettes and flats. You can buy chicken wings that are already split, or you can do it yourself using a sharp knife. Cut between the chicken wing tip and the flat, and then between the flat and drumette. Discard the tips or save them for your next batch of homemade chicken stock.

Step 2: Dry the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it ensures that the wings will become crispy during the air frying process. If the wings are too moist, they will steam instead of crisping.

Step 3: Season the Chicken Wings

There are several seasoning options you can choose from to add flavour to your chicken wings. You can either use a dry rub or a wet marinade. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Dry Rub: Mix together a blend of dried rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red peppers for some heat. Toss the wings in this dry rub, making sure they are well coated.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Drizzle the wings with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning and salt. You can use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning or make your own by combining lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Basic Seasoning: Toss the wings in a mixture of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add some cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes. Increase the temperature to 390°F and cook for a further 5-6 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken Wings

Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve them as is, or toss them in your favourite sauce, such as buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey garlic sauce. Enjoy!

How long to cook chicken wings in the air fryer

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer depends on the weight of the wings and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes between 18 to 25 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-400°F.
• Prepare the chicken wings by patting them dry and seasoning or marinating them.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Cook the chicken wings for 10 minutes at the desired temperature.
• Flip the chicken wings and continue cooking for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve with your desired sauces or dips.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the chicken wings. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F. Additionally, some air fryers may require multiple batches to cook the desired amount of chicken wings.

How to make chicken wings crispy in the air fryer

Making chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned wings. Here is a detailed guide on how to make chicken wings crispy in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (separated into drums and flats)
• Olive oil or neutral oil (such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Pepper
• Baking powder (optional)
• Lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings:

If you have purchased whole chicken wings, start by separating them into drums and flats. You can do this using a sharp knife to cut between the joints. Discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help them get crispy.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Wings:

Place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Add your desired seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and baking powder (if using). You can also use a premade seasoning blend or lemon pepper seasoning for extra flavor. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (depending on your air fryer model and preferences). Some air fryers may require preheating for a few minutes, while others can be used immediately after turning on.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Wings:

Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Leave some space between the wings to allow for air circulation, which will help crisp up the skin. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches.

Cook the chicken wings at 360-400°F for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Continue cooking at the same temperature for another 8-12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown. For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 390-400°F and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken Wings:

Remove the crispy chicken wings from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or sides. Some popular options include ranch or blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or a simple wedge salad.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Wings:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the wings to allow for proper air circulation, which will help crisp up the skin.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. Chicken wings come in various sizes, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Larger wings may require a longer cooking time, while smaller wings may cook faster.
• Don't overlap the wings. Air circulation is essential for crispy wings, so make sure the wings are not overlapping in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the wings in multiple batches.
• Pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning and cooking. Removing excess moisture will help the wings get crispier.
• Add a little baking powder to the seasoning mixture. Baking powder reacts with the chicken skin to create a crispy coating.

How to make chicken wings sauce for the air fryer

Making chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned wings. Here's a detailed guide on how to make delicious chicken wings sauce for your air fryer:

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients to make the sauce for your chicken wings:

• Hot sauce: Use a cayenne pepper-based hot sauce with natural ingredients like cayenne pepper, vinegar, and salt. Popular options include Frank's RedHot, Crystal Hot Sauce, or Tabasco.
• Butter: This adds a creamy texture and richness to the sauce while balancing the flavours.
• Vinegar: White vinegar is typically used, adding acidity and a tangy flavour.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are commonly used to enhance the flavour. You can also experiment with other seasonings like cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, or honey.
• Optional ingredients: For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper. Alternatively, reduce the amount of hot sauce for a milder sauce. You can also try adding a small amount of honey to balance the heat and round out the flavour.

Instructions:

• Combine the ingredients: In a pot over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and desired seasonings. Whisk them together until well blended and smooth.
• Simmer the sauce: Continue heating the sauce until it starts to bubble around the sides of the pot. Then, remove it from the heat.
• Set aside or store: If using the sauce immediately, set it aside. Otherwise, store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The sauce will harden, so gently reheat it over low heat and whisk or shake if it separates.

Tips for Making Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer:

• Split the wings: Separate the wings into flats and drumettes, or purchase them pre-split. You can also remove and discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock.
• Season generously: Before placing the raw chicken wings in the air fryer, season them generously with salt to enhance their flavour and crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook in multiple batches if needed to allow proper air circulation.
• Control the temperature: Start cooking the wings at a lower temperature (around 360°F) to render the fat and skin, then increase the temperature (to about 390°F) to ensure they're tender and crispy.
• Add sauce after cooking: It's best to add the sauce to the wings after air frying. This helps maintain the crispiness of the wings and makes cleaning the air fryer basket easier.

Now you're ready to make mouth-watering chicken wings with a delicious sauce using your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions