Air Fryer Wings: Crispy, Tender, And Delicious

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers, like the Nuwave Air Fryer, offer a convenient and healthier way to cook chicken wings with less oil and fat. In this article, we will discuss how to make delicious, crispy chicken wings using a Nuwave Air Fryer, including preparation tips, cooking times, and serving suggestions for the perfect snack or appetizer.

Seasoning and preparation

The seasoning and preparation of your chicken wings are crucial steps in achieving the perfect air-fried wings. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by rinsing and patting dry your chicken wing pieces. You can use a paper towel to ensure the wings are thoroughly dried. If you are using whole wings, you will need to split them into flats and drumettes. You can do this by using a sharp knife to cut between the wing tip and the flat, and then between the flat and drumette. You can discard the wing tips or save them for making homemade chicken stock.

Step 2: Seasoning

Place the dried wing pieces in a large mixing bowl. Coat the wings with a light spray of olive oil or regular cooking spray. This will help the seasonings stick to the wings and promote even browning. Next, it's time to season! You can use a variety of seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Here are some options:

• Salt and pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the wings. You can also use garlic salt for an extra kick of flavour.
• Garlic powder: Add garlic powder to taste. This will give your wings a delicious garlicky aroma and taste.
• Lemon pepper: Sprinkle lemon pepper over the wings for a zesty, tangy flavour.
• Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend: This is a pre-made blend of spices that can add a unique flavour to your wings.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This seasoning blend can give your wings a delicious, savoury taste.

Feel free to experiment with other seasonings or spice blends that you enjoy. You can also use a dry rub or a marinade for extra flavour. If you opt for a marinade, you may need to let the wings sit for a while to absorb the flavours.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Once your wings are seasoned, it's time to place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a few inches of space above the wings to allow for proper air circulation. Do not stack or overlap the wings. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches.

Step 4: Cooking Spray

Before placing the wings in the air fryer, you can lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and ensure the wings get nice and crispy.

Step 5: Cooking Time and Temperature

Now it's time to cook your wings! The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

• Cook the wings at a temperature between 325-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.
• Flip the wings with tongs and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Remember to pause and shake the basket every 5-6 minutes during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Sauce (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavour to your wings, you can toss them in your favourite sauce after they are done cooking. Here are some sauce options:

• Buffalo sauce: Combine melted butter and hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot, and toss the wings in this mixture.
• Lemon pepper sauce: Mix olive oil, oregano, grated lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the wings in this sauce for a zesty kick.
• Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, or any other sauce of your choice!

And there you have it! By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy air-fried chicken wings with your NuWave Air Fryer. Enjoy!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken wings in a NuWave air fryer will depend on the weight of the chicken wings and the number of wings being cooked.

For 1kg of chicken wings, cook at 180C (356F) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking. Then, increase the temperature to 200C (392F) and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

For 4-5 lbs of chicken wings, cook at 325F for 25-30 minutes, pausing and shaking the basket every 5-6 minutes for even cooking. Then, increase the temperature to 400F and cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen chicken wings, ensure that you thaw them properly first.

It is also important to leave a few inches of space above the wings in the air fryer to allow for air circulation. If necessary, cook the wings in multiple batches.

Cleaning the air fryer

Cleaning your air fryer is important to maintain its performance and ensure your food is safe to eat. Regular cleaning after each use, along with occasional deep cleaning, is key. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer:

Quick Clean: Steps After Each Use

• Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down.
• Wash the removable parts (basket and tray) with warm, soapy water. Many air fryers are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing may help the non-stick coating last longer.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth.
• Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling.

Deep Clean: Steps for a More Thorough Clean

• Allow the air fryer to cool down completely.
• Unplug the air fryer from the power outlet.
• Remove the basket, tray, and any other removable parts.
• Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. If the parts are very greasy, you can also place them in the dishwasher.
• Clean the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which may damage the surface.
• Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components, and ensure it is completely dry before reassembling.
• Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure everything is properly aligned and securely in place.
• Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup of grime.

Tips for Keeping Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer

• Use liners or parchment paper to catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Wipe down your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause food to touch the heating element or create excess splatter, leading to more cleanup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Air Fryer

• Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Stick to mild dish soap and water.
• Do not skip cleaning the heating element, even if it doesn't look dirty, as grease can accumulate and reduce the air fryer's efficiency over time.
• Ensure all components are fully dry before reassembling. Moisture can affect how your air fryer performs and may even cause it to malfunction.

Using frozen wings

If you are using frozen wings, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can also use pre-marinated frozen wings, which you can get from Aldi.

Ingredients:

• 15 Chicken Wings, whole and thawed, about 4 pounds total
• 3 tbsp. Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend
• 1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• Pam cooking spray

Instructions:

• Spray the 4-inch rack with Pam spray.
• Place about half of the wings in a plastic bag. A zipper-type bag works best.
• Shake half the Mrs. Dash and half the Old Bay seasonings all over the wings in the bag.
• Seal the bag shut and shake the bag to ensure the seasonings spread all over the wings.
• Take the wings from the bag and place them on the 4-inch rack.
• Place the second half of the wings in the plastic bag and repeat steps 3-5.
• Position the wings so none are on top of the other. They will probably be touching and close together on the rack to all fit.
• Discard the bag.
• Cook at high power for 25 minutes.
• Turn the wings over.
• Cook at high power for another 20 minutes.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, place the wings in the fridge overnight to dry. Single layer. Pat dry.
• You can also use a dry rub of chicken seasoning or a rub of baking powder to make the wings crispier.
• Don't forget to shake the basket regularly so that the hot air reaches all the surfaces and the wings cook evenly.

Sauces and dips

Buffalo Sauce

A classic choice for chicken wings, Buffalo sauce is a spicy, vinegary option that packs a punch. You can buy it ready-made or make your own by combining melted butter with hot sauce. This sauce is best added to the wings after cooking, either as a coating or a dip.

Teriyaki Sauce

For a sweet and savoury option, try teriyaki sauce on your chicken wings. This sauce is perfect for those who want a sticky, glossy coating on their wings. It can also be used as a marinade before cooking if you want a more intense flavour.

Honey BBQ Sauce

Another sweet and sticky option, honey BBQ sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the smokiness of barbecue sauce. This sauce is perfect for those who want a more traditional flavour profile for their wings.

Blue Cheese Dip

Blue cheese dip is a classic choice for chicken wings, offering a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy wings. This dip is perfect for those who want a rich and indulgent experience.

Ranch Dressing

A lighter option, ranch dressing is a creamy and herb-filled dip that pairs well with the savoury flavours of chicken. This dip is perfect for those who want a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings.

Lemon Pepper Sauce

For a zesty and refreshing option, try a lemon pepper sauce. This sauce combines olive oil, oregano, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a bright and flavourful coating for your wings.

Frequently asked questions