As a seasoned home cook, my air fryer chicken wings have been a game-changer. I've cooked my fair share of wings, but this recipe always tops the charts.
Its unique blend of seasonings combined with the flawless texture achieved from the air fryer sets it apart from all other contenders. My secret? Well, it's all in the method.
You see, I have prepared everything from chicken drumsticks in an air fryer to elaborate roasts, yet these chicken wings always steal the spotlight.
The air fryer makes them wonderfully crispy on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and succulent. They are not just ordinary wings, they are a feast unto themselves, perfectly crunchy, and unbelievably tasty.
Join me today as we delve into this exquisite dish that's sure to win hearts at your dining table. I guarantee, once you try these air fryer chicken wings, there's no going back!
Jump to:
Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (6 chicken wings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Black pepper (to taste)
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (I use the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
- Mixing Bowl
- Teaspoon
- Plastic wrap or lid for covering the Bowl
- Gloves (optional) or a spoon for mixing
- Cooking tongs
- Aluminum foil
- Serving dish or plate
Steps on How To Make Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
Chicken wings have three parts and we don't need them all for this recipe. First, let's get rid of the wing tips—they're better off saved for your next chicken broth.
Next up, grab a big mixing bowl and start combining olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, dried onion, ground ginger, and paprika. Now, if you're someone who likes a little heat, feel free to throw in some cayenne pepper or your favorite spices.
Once your mixture is ready, introduce your chicken wings to it.
Toss them around, make sure they're well coated, then let them chill in the fridge for an hour or two. This marinating step is crucial—it's how all those incredible flavors seep into the chicken.
When it's almost cooking time, take the wings out of the fridge about 15 minutes before to bring them to room temperature.
Meanwhile, let's get your air fryer preheated to around 360°F (180°C).
With the air fryer all warmed up, place your wings in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they're not on top of each other—we want every piece to get an even fry. And here's a little tip: brushing the basket with a bit of oil can prevent sticking, but it's not a must-do if your marinade is oil-based.
Then, it's time to let the air fryer do its magic! Pop the basket in and set the timer for about 25 minutes. Remember to flip those wings halfway through for that evenly golden crispiness. Just be careful—the air fryer can get pretty hot.
Once they're done, check the internal temperature. It should read around 165°F (74°C).
Transfer your beautiful, crispy wings onto a serving dish. I like to cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes, just like resting a steak. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
And there you have it! Serve these delightful wings with your favorite sauces like barbecue, buffalo, or blue cheese dressing. I can't wait for you to try this recipe. It's a game-changer, my friends!
Cooking Time and Temperature
When it comes to cooking chicken wings in an air fryer, timing and temperature are everything. Too low, and you won't achieve that satisfying crunch. Too high, and you risk burning the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
In my experience, 360°F (180°C) hits the sweet spot. This temperature gets the wings thoroughly cooked inside while lending the skin that perfect, golden-brown crispiness. As for the timing, about 25 minutes is what you're aiming for. The halfway mark at about 12-13 minutes is the perfect time to flip the wings, ensuring even cooking and browning.
Keep in mind, though, all air fryers aren't created equal. Some might run hotter or cooler than others. So, it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken wings should be at least 165°F (74°C) internally to be safely cooked.
Serving Recommendations
Alright, you've done the hard part—your air-fried chicken wings are hot, crispy, and oh-so-inviting. Now, let's chat about how we can serve these beauties to take them from just delicious to downright unforgettable.
Remember, these wings aren't just versatile, they're a culinary chameleon. Enjoy them as a pre-dinner nibble, make them the star of your dinner, or serve them up at your next get-together. The world is your oyster!
For a time-honored and sure-to-please pairing, offer up some ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. The cool, creamy dip tangoing with the hot, crispy wings? Pure magic, I tell you.
But hey, maybe you're a bit of a spice enthusiast. If that's the case, accompany the wings with some fiery buffalo sauce. It's tangy, it's hot, and it'll keep you reaching for just one more wing.
Want to inject a bit of freshness into the mix? Toss up a green salad or steam some veggies. The crunchy, fresh produce makes a delightful counterpoint to our rich, indulgent wings.
And for those of you looking to mix things up a bit, why not set out a selection of dipping sauces? Barbecue, honey mustard, sweet chili—let your guests pick their poison. It's a fun way to add a bit of personal flair to the meal.
No matter how you dish them out, these air-fried chicken wings are a slam dunk. Whether it's a quiet family dinner or a bustling party, you're sure to leave everyone raving about your culinary prowess.
Alternative Ingredients and Flavor Combinations
Fancy a bit of tanginess in your wings? A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice in the marinade can bring an unexpected and delightful zest.
And don't be afraid to take your tastebuds on a journey with different spice blends or rubs. Whether it's the fiery charm of Cajun seasoning, the exotic allure of jerk seasoning, or the comforting appeal of a smoky barbecue rub, there's a whole world of flavors to explore.
And speaking of smoky, swap out your regular paprika for the smoked variety and see how it transforms your wings.
For those who have a sweet tooth, a touch of honey or maple syrup in the marinade can add a subtle yet delicious sweetness that's hard to resist.
Substitutions
No soy sauce in your pantry? Not a problem! Swap it out for tamari sauce or Worcestershire sauce - they'll give you that savory umami hit you're looking for.
Not a fan of olive oil or simply out of it? You can easily use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter in its place.
And if you're all about that fresh, robust flavor, consider using fresh minced garlic and onion instead of the dried versions. The punchier flavor will take your wings to new heights!
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to enjoy again, to retain their crispness, reheat the wings in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
For a longer storage period, you can freeze the cooked wings in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2-3 months. When it's time to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Top Tips for Success:
- Trim and Dry Your Wings: Trimming the wing tips not only makes for a better eating experience, but it also helps the wings cook more evenly. And remember, the drier your wings, the crispier they'll get in the air fryer.
- Marinate, Marinate, Marinate: Marinating is your ticket to flavor town. Giving your wings at least an hour (two if you have time) to soak up all those yummy spices makes a world of difference.
- Don't Crowd the Basket: Overlapping wings won't cook evenly. Be patient and fry in batches if necessary. This ensures all your wings get that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Flip Them Halfway: For evenly cooked and browned wings, flip them halfway through the cooking time. Yes, the air fryer circulates hot air for even cooking, but a mid-cook flip ensures perfection.
- Check Internal Temperature: Your wings should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check; it's better to be safe than sorry!
- Rest Your Wings: Just like a good steak, let your wings rest for 5-10 minutes after they come out of the air fryer. It might seem unnecessary, but trust me, it gives the juices time to redistribute and makes your wings even more flavorful.
And there you have it, my go-to air fryer chicken wings recipe, tried and true. Trust me, once you try this, you'll never go back to the old ways of cooking wings.
But this is just the start. Dive into our blog for a treasure trove of ingredient substitutes, diverse recipes, and a multitude of tips and tricks to elevate your air fryer game.
Start exploring today and transform every meal into an exciting culinary adventure.
You Might Also Like:
Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)
Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe
Can I Wrap Chicken In Foil In Air Fryer?
Asian-Style Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Asian-Style Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer Recipe
Recipe
Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bow
- Teaspoon
- Plastic wrap or lid for covering the bowl
- Gloves or a spoon for mixing
- Cooking tongs
- Aluminum foil
- Serving dish or plate
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chicken wings have three parts and we don't need them all for this recipe. First, let's get rid of the wing tips - they're better off saved for your next chicken broth.
- Next up, grab a big mixing bowl and start combining olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, dried onion, ground ginger, and paprika. Now, if you're someone who likes a little heat, feel free to throw in some cayenne pepper or your favorite spices.
- Once your mixture is ready, introduce your chicken wings to it. Toss them around, make sure they're well coated, then let them chill in the fridge for an hour or two. This marinating step is crucial—it's how all those incredible flavors seep into the chicken.
- When it's almost cooking time, take the wings out of the fridge about 15 minutes before to bring them to room temperature. Meanwhile, let's get your air fryer preheated to around 360°F/180°C.
- With the air fryer all warmed up, place your wings in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they're not on top of each other—we want every piece to get an even fry. And here's a little tip: brushing the basket with a bit of oil can prevent sticking, but it's not a must-do if your marinade is oil-based.
- Then, it's time to let the air fryer do its magic! Pop the basket in and set the timer for about 25 minutes. Remember to flip those wings halfway through for that evenly golden crispiness. Just be careful—the air fryer can get pretty hot.
- Once they're done, check the internal temperature. It should read around 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer your beautiful, crispy wings onto a serving dish. I like to cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes, just like resting a steak. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
- And there you have it! Serve these delightful wings with your favorite sauces like barbecue, buffalo, or blue cheese dressing. I can't wait for you to try this recipe. It's a game-changer, my friends!
You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.
Leave a Reply