Crispy wings are a crowd favorite! Whether you’re hosting a sports-watching party or just a casual dinner, juicy chicken wings with a crispy exterior simply can’t be beat. But deep frying wings can be time consuming and messy. That’s where air fryers come in! Air fryers provide a quick and convenient way to make chicken wings with a deliciously crispy skin.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that uses hot air to cook food. The rapid air circulation allows food to cook fast while getting that desirable crunchy texture as if it was deep fried. Air fryers have a basket inside that holds the food so the hot air can circulate all around. This results in crispy “fried” food using little to no oil.
Benefits of Cooking Wings in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer for crispy wings:
- Requires little or no oil – Wings get crispy from the hot dry air, not being submerged in fat.
- Quick cooking time – Wings can be cooked in an air fryer in about 20-30 minutes.
- Even browning – The circulating air promotes even cooking and browning.
- Food safety – The hot air eliminates bacteria more effectively than deep frying.
- Easy cleanup – With minimal oil, there’s less splatter and mess.
- Compact size – Air fryers take up much less space than a deep fryer.
Choosing an Air Fryer
When selecting an air fryer for cooking wings, keep these factors in mind:
- Capacity – Choose an air fryer that can hold at least 8 quarters of wings or more. A 5-6 quart air fryer is ideal for most households.
- Temperature range – Look for an air fryer with a maximum temperature of 400°F or more to properly crisp wings.
- Functions – Many models have preset functions like “chicken” that automatically set the time and temperature.
- Size – Make sure the air fryer fits on your countertop and has a basket large enough for wings.
Some top-rated air fryer models for cooking wings include:
- Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Air Fryer
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
- Cosori Premium Air Fryer Max XL
Ingredients
To make crispy air fried wings, you will need:
- Chicken wings (drumettes and/or flats)
- Seasonings of choice like salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.
- Oil or cooking spray
- Sauce like buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, etc. (optional)
Prep the Wings
Proper prep is key for getting crispy wings in the air fryer:
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will steam the wings instead of crisping them.
- Season the wings with desired spices, tossing to evenly coat. Popular options are salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, etc.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the air fryer basket, not overcrowded. Work in batches for even cooking.
- Lightly spray or brush the wings with oil. This helps promote browning.
Cook the Wings in the Air Fryer
Cooking wings in an air fryer is quick and easy:
- Set the air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook the wings for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- The wings are done when the skin is crispy and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Repeat with any remaining batches of wings.
Check frequently and adjust time if needed based on thickness of wings and your air fryer model.
Sauce the Wings
Tossing the crispy air fried wings with sauce adds delicious flavor. Options include:
- Buffalo – Equal parts hot sauce + butter.
- BBQ – Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
- Teriyaki – Sticky, savory glaze.
- Honey mustard – Sweet honey + zesty Dijon.
- Garlic Parmesan – Buttery with Italian herbs.
For best texture, sauce the wings after cooking. Toss with sauce just until evenly coated. Serve any extra sauce on the side.
Tips for the Best Crispy Wings
Follow these tips for optimally crispy wings made in an air fryer:
- Pat wings very dry before seasoning – moisture prevents crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Flip wings halfway during cooking.
- Brush wings lightly with oil for even browning.
- Allow cooked wings to rest 5 minutes before saucing.
- Toss wings in sauce gently to keep crispy texture.
- Serve immediately for hot and super crispy wings!
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making crispy wings in an air fryer:
What’s the best temperature for air fryer wings?
380°F is ideal for crisping the skin while fully cooking the wings.
How long does it take to cook wings in an air fryer?
Whole wings take 18-22 minutes at 380°F in an air fryer. Cooked until crispy outside and 165°F inside.
Should you flip wings in air fryer?
Yes, flipping the wings halfway during cooking allows for even browning and crisping on both sides.
Can you put raw wings in air fryer?
Absolutely! An air fryer can cook raw chicken wings from start to finish. No pre-cooking required.
Do you put oil on wings before air frying?
Lightly oiling the wings helps promote browning and crisping in the air fryer.
What’s the best sauce for air fryer wings?
Tangy buffalo sauce, sweet BBQ, and sticky teriyaki are especially delicious on air fried wings.
Conclusion
Air fryers provide a quick and easy way to get deliciously crispy wings without the mess and oil of deep frying. Allowing the wings to cook in the hot circulating air of an air fryer results in crispy skin and juicy meat in just 20-30 minutes. Follow these tips for perfectly crispy wings: dry wings thoroughly, lightly oil, don’t overcrowd, and flip midway through cooking. Air fryer wings also cook up wonderfully crispy when tossed in flavorful sauces like buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, and more. Your family and friends will devour these crispy, crunchy wings in no time!