If you love crispy, juicy chicken wings but want to skip the mess and oil of traditional frying, the air fryer is your new best friend. In just minutes, you can make delicious wings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, using much less oil.
Why We Love Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
You’ve probably heard of the air fryer revolution by now. It’s taking kitchens by storm for all the right reasons. From crispy fries to roasted vegetables, it’s a versatile appliance. And when it comes to chicken wings, the air fryer takes them to a whole new level. Here’s why:
Healthier Than Deep Frying
One of the biggest perks of cooking chicken wings in the air fryer is the healthier aspect. Unlike traditional deep frying, which submerges your wings in oil, the air fryer uses hot air to circulate around the food, creating that crispy texture without the need for excess oil. This means fewer calories, less fat, and less mess in the kitchen. You get all the flavor and crunch of deep-fried wings but with a fraction of the fat.
Quick and Easy
Chicken wings in the air fryer are incredibly quick to prepare. In just about 25 minutes, you can go from raw wings to crispy, golden perfection. Preheating the air fryer takes only a few minutes, and the cooking time is fast—perfect for when you’re craving a snack or hosting a last-minute gathering.
Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside
The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and a crisp, crunchy texture on the outside. Meanwhile, the inside of the chicken wings remains juicy and tender, creating a perfect contrast. No more soggy or undercooked wings!
No Mess
Traditional frying involves splattering hot oil everywhere, leaving your kitchen in need of a major clean-up. The air fryer solves this problem, cooking your wings in a contained space and keeping the mess to a minimum. All you need to do is give the air fryer basket a quick clean once you’re done.
Ingredients for Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
Making chicken wings in the air fryer doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. In fact, you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken wings – The main ingredient, providing a juicy and tender bite.
Olive oil – Helps crisp the wings without excess grease.
Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor with a subtle aroma.
Paprika – Gives a smoky taste and rich color.
Black pepper – Adds mild heat and spice.
Baking powder – Helps achieve a crispy texture on the wings.
How to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Here’s how you can make perfectly crispy chicken wings in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheating it for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the wings cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture.
Prepare the Wings:
Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is an important step—dry wings will crisp up much better than wet ones.
Season the Wings:
Place the wings in a bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them to coat evenly. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the wings are coated in the seasoning.
Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer Basket:
Lay the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the wings from crisping properly. You may need to cook the wings in batches if your air fryer is small.
Cook the Wings:
Air fry the wings at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get that golden-brown crispiness on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t overcook.
Check for Crispiness:
Once your wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. The internal temperature of the wings should be at least 165°F (74°C), so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the wings cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as is or toss them in your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings
To make your air fryer chicken wings even better, here are some expert tips you can follow:
Dry the Wings:
Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings. Make sure to pat your wings dry before seasoning them. This simple step will make all the difference in achieving a crispy texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:
For the crispiest wings, it’s essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If the wings are too close together, they won’t cook evenly. Make sure there’s enough space for the hot air to circulate.
Flip the Wings Halfway Through:
Flip your wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. This also helps them become crispier.
Use a Meat Thermometer:
To ensure your chicken wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the wings are safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.
Experiment with Different Seasonings:
The great thing about air fryer chicken wings is that you can customize the flavor. Try adding different spices, marinades, or glazes to suit your taste.
Variations of Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
While classic seasoned wings are delicious on their own, here are a few variations to spice things up:
Sweet and Spicy Wings
For a sweet and spicy kick, toss the wings in a mixture of honey and cayenne pepper after they’ve been cooked. The honey adds a rich sweetness, while the cayenne pepper gives it just the right amount of heat.
Buffalo Style
After your wings have cooked, toss them in a bowl with melted butter and your favorite buffalo sauce for the ultimate spicy, tangy treat. This classic combo is perfect for any wing lover.
Lemon Pepper Wings
For a lighter, tangy flavor, toss the cooked wings in fresh lemon zest, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. It’s a simple, yet refreshing twist that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Parmesan
For a savory option, toss your wings in melted butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese after they’ve cooked. The garlic and cheese will coat the wings in a flavorful, rich sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Chicken wings are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Classic Dips: Serve your wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The creamy dip complements the crispy texture of the wings perfectly.
Fresh Sides: Pair your wings with a crisp side salad, some homemade fries, or even roasted vegetables to make a well-rounded meal.
Game-Day Spread: For a game-day feast, offer a variety of sauces, like buffalo, barbecue, and honey mustard, to keep things exciting.
Crispy Snacks: If you’re just in the mood for a snack, wings are perfect on their own. Grab a few and enjoy them while you relax!
FAQ: Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
How do you make chicken wings crispy in the air fryer?
To make your chicken wings crispy, make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and flip the wings halfway through cooking.
Can you cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. Simply add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, and season the wings once they’re cooked through.
How long does it take to cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer typically takes about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and your air fryer model.
What should I serve with chicken wings in the air fryer?
Serve your chicken wings with sides like celery sticks, a fresh salad, fries, or a dipping sauce of your choice—ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce are all excellent options.
Can I use a marinade for chicken wings in the air fryer?
Yes, marinating your wings before air frying can add an extra burst of flavor. Just be sure to pat the wings dry after marinating to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
chicken wings in air fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 10 pieces Chicken Wings
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the wings in olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for the wings to be fully cooked.
- Let the wings cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, toss in your favorite sauce for extra flavor.