Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air fryer chicken wings are a delicious option for those seeking a healthier way to enjoy a classic favorite. With their crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, these wings can be made quickly and easily, making them perfect for game days or any casual gathering. The air fryer requires little oil and no marinade, allowing the seasoning to shine through while keeping the dish light.
Many people love air frying wings for the convenience it offers. It satisfies cravings for fast food in a matter of minutes with minimal ingredients. Without the need for marinating or flouring, a simple seasoning blend creates the rich flavor that resembles traditional deep-fried wings. Whether dipped in barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard, air-fried wings are always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Ingredients
To create delicious air fryer chicken wings, only four essential ingredients are needed.
- Chicken Wings: It’s best to use raw wings that come split into flats and drums for ease. However, whole wings can be cut into sections if needed. If using frozen wings, they should be completely thawed before seasoning.
- Olive Oil: A half tablespoon of olive oil is recommended to help achieve a crispy skin and enhance the flavors. Alternatives like avocado oil or any neutral oil can also be used. It’s important not to skip this ingredient.
- Salt: The recipe calls for a teaspoon of sea salt, though this can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder paired with lemon pepper adds great flavor to the wings. If lemon pepper is unavailable, regular black pepper can be used instead.
These ingredients work together to create flavorful, crispy chicken wings in the air fryer.
How to Prepare Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
Cooking Duration for Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken wings, the total cooking time should be around 18 to 20 minutes. Start by preheating the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring the wings become crispy while remaining tender inside.
- Initial Cooking: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. It’s fine if they touch slightly. Cook them for 10 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Finish: After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the wings over. Continue cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes on the other side.
It is important to check their doneness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. A great way to check is to cut one open; the meat should be juicy and tender inside.
Note: Cooking times can vary based on the specific model of the air fryer. Some machines operate with higher power, which might cook the wings faster. If they are not quite crispy after the recommended time, an extra 2 to 5 minutes may be necessary. Adjusting the cooking time helps achieve the perfect texture.
Tips for Success
- Dry the Wings: Before adding any seasoning, the wings should be thoroughly dried with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This crucial step ensures the skin becomes perfectly crispy. The aim is to have the wings lightly coated with oil, salt, and spices without any moisture.
- Add Flavor: For an extra kick, lightly brush the wings with BBQ or Buffalo sauce prior to air frying. It’s important not to overload them with sauce, as this can prevent crispiness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing wings in the air fryer, they should be arranged in a single layer. They can touch slightly, but overlapping will hinder airflow and prevent even cooking.
- Serve Warm: For the best taste, serve the wings right after cooking. Accompany them with a variety of dipping sauces such as BBQ, hot sauce, honey mustard, guacamole, or garlic mayo for added flavor.
Reasons Chicken Wings May Lack Crispiness
Chicken wings may fail to achieve a crispy texture due to a few key factors:
- Insufficient drying: Wings should be patted dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
- Basket overcrowding: Placing too many wings in the air fryer basket can block proper airflow, affecting cooking.
Cooking in smaller batches helps ensure the wings receive adequate heat. Additionally, adjusting the cooking time based on the air fryer model can aid in reaching the desired crispiness.
Storing and Freezing Air Fryer Chicken Wings
To keep leftover air-fried chicken wings fresh, let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer at 390°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warm and crispy.
For freezing, first allow the wings to cool. Then, transfer them to zipper bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, remove from the freezer, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at 390°F for about 8 minutes until heated through.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings boast impeccably seasoned, crispy skin enveloping a succulent and tender interior. Utilizing an air fryer for chicken wings is a swift, effortless, and wholesome method, necessitating minimal oil and eschewing the need for a marinade.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken wings, divided into flats and drums
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ to ½ tsp lemon pepper (or substitute with black pepper to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Divide chicken wings into flats and drumettes if not already done. Afterward, utilize a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to thoroughly pat dry the wings.
- Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper (or black pepper). Toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Arrange the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping; slight touching is acceptable. Lightly brush or spray the wings with additional oil.
- Cook the chicken wings in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes on the other side. Adjust the cooking time as necessary. The wings are done when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside but still tender on the inside.
Notes
Nutritional values are based on third-party calculations and should be considered approximations. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. We do not overtake any responsibility.
Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 152Total Fat 11,5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0,1gUnsaturated Fat 5,1gCholesterol 46,8mgSodium 626mgCarbohydrates 0,4gFiber 0.1gSugar 0.01gProtein 11,2g
Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Common Questions
Can frozen wings be used for this recipe?
Yes, it is very easy to cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. The same recipe applies, but it is important to thaw the wings. Placing them in the refrigerator overnight is the best method.
Is it possible to increase the recipe size?
Absolutely, this recipe can be doubled or tripled without any issues. Just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly. Keep in mind, when cooking larger quantities, it may be necessary to fry the wings in several batches to ensure even cooking.
What type of air fryer is best for cooking wings?
Choosing the right air fryer depends on personal preferences. There are two main types: basket-style and oven-style air fryers. Basket-style options, like the Ninja Air Fryer or Cosori, are compact and ideal for achieving crispy wings quickly. Oven-style air fryers offer more space and additional cooking options. Both types will work well, so it comes down to individual needs and kitchen space.
Can chicken wings be prepared in the oven?
Yes, chicken wings can also be baked in an oven, though it requires more time. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the wings according to the recipe, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They should bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
