Air fryer chicken wings are a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, they are perfect for game days or a tasty snack. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp baking powder (helps make the wings crispy)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and baking powder. Coat the wings evenly with the seasoning mixture.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Air Fry the Wings:
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is smaller.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. You can check their internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
4. Serve:
- Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Optionally, toss the wings in your favorite sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, etc.) before serving or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Crispier Wings: For extra crispiness, you can spray the wings lightly with cooking spray or olive oil halfway through cooking.
- Sauce Variations: Toss the wings in your favorite sauce after cooking, or keep them plain for dipping.
- Flavor Boost: Add additional seasoning like lemon pepper, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can season the wings ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Enjoy your crispy, tender air fryer chicken wings!