An air fryer might just be the ultimate kitchen game changer. It cuts down cooking time and electricity use, and it makes dishes accessible at home that you might previously have only ordered out. One of those is chicken wings, a beloved bar snack that's now easy to make in your own kitchen. Here's how to get them just right in the air fryer.
Why air fry chicken wings
Air frying chicken wings is a quick and easy way to cook them. It means less mess, as there's no faffing about with deep-frying oil, which is expensive and wasteful. It can splatter and quickly become a hazard. It's also faster than cooking wings in the oven and uses less electricity.
If you're new to the world of air fryers, you might be surprised by just how many great air fryer recipes there are. These handy devices are far from single-use gadgets. They're incredible cooking machines that can totally revolutionise your kitchen.
Chicken wing recipe ingredients
For basic air-fried chicken wings, all you really need are the wings themselves. However, if you want a crispy exterior, you should also have baking powder on hand. Tossing the wings in a small amount of baking powder before cooking will give a crisper exterior.
When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are essential, but you can experiment with other flavours, too. Draw inspiration from American barbecue with a classic sticky glaze, or look east and use the sauce from this soy, chilli and ginger chicken stir-fry to coat the wings.
How to air fry chicken wings
- First, dry the wings. Pat them all over with paper towels until the skin is dry to the touch. This is essential to ensure crisp results.
- Toss the wings with baking powder and a small amount of salt and pepper.
- Spread them in a single layer and air fry at 200°C for 10 minutes.
- Turn and continue cooking for a further 10 to 15 minutes, until the meat is tender, the skin is crispy, and the juices run clear.
- Add a sauce if desired and serve piping hot!
Seasonings and sauces for air fryer chicken wings
One of the best things about chicken is its versatility. Chicken dishes are among the most popular meat recipes all over the world, and there's a reason for that. You might associate wings with American barbecue cooking, but they can work with all kinds of sauces and seasonings. Try a Middle Eastern spice rub, an Indian-inspired tandoori dressing, or an East Asian ginger sauce inspired by this speedy ginger chicken udon.
You can also keep it simple if you like. If you're making wings as party food, try keeping the seasoning to just salt and pepper, but serve them with dipping sauces for guests to choose from. Popular choices include rich blue cheese sauce, smooth sour cream and onion, or spicy tomato salsa.
Tips for crispy air fryer chicken wings
Crispy chicken skin depends on a few factors. Firstly, the skin must be completely dry, so pat the wings with paper towels before cooking. Secondly, they should not touch each other in the air fryer. Spread the wings in a single layer and take care when turning them to ensure they remain separate. Turning them halfway through the cooking time is important, too, as it ensures that both sides of the wings crisp up.
One tip that you may not know about is the use of baking powder. Toss the wings in a small amount after drying and before cooking. This helps the skin crisp up without adding any unpleasant flavours.
Other popular air fryer recipes
An air fryer is a true piece of kitchen wizardry. Yes, you can use it to cook anything that would normally be fried, but it also works as an oven. In fact, you can even cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, which makes a classic Sunday roast easier than ever.
Other chicken dishes that can be air-fried include chicken Kyiv, drumsticks, sticky chicken thighs and more. In fact, only a few dishes don't benefit from air frying. Things like this glazed ginger chicken and pepper stir-fry will be better cooked in a wok or frying pan.
How to air fry chicken wings FAQs
How long does it take for extra crispy wings in an air fryer?
It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to cook a batch of wings in the air fryer, depending on their size. You should turn them halfway through so they get crispy all over. For the best results, avoid overcrowding the basket and cook in batches if needed.
What temperature should chicken wings be cooked to?
Air fry chicken wings at 200°C. If you've got a meat thermometer, you should aim for an internal temperature of 79°C to 85°C. This is enough to break down the tough collagen for tender, juicy wings while ensuring they are fully cooked.
Should you flip chicken wings in the air fryer?
Yes. Turn them once, halfway through the cooking time. If you don't, you'll end up with the tops of the wings nice and crispy but the undersides soggy. Flipping them helps the hot air circulate evenly around each wing.
Can I put frozen raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes. Just keep in mind that you'll need to increase the cooking time if you're cooking the chicken straight from the freezer. A meat thermometer is the safest way to make sure that the chicken is cooked all the way through.
What are common mistakes when air frying chicken wings?
Don't overload the basket. The wings shouldn't touch each other for the crispiest results. Always pat chicken wings dry before cooking them to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior. Adding too much sauce too early can also prevent the skin from becoming crunchy.