Preparing the chicken wings
Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to properly prepare the chicken wings to ensure they turn out crispy and flavorful. Start by selecting fresh, high-quality chicken wings. You can choose between whole wings or pre-cut sections (drumettes and flats). If you’re working with whole wings, you may want to separate them into drumettes and flats for even cooking and easier handling.
Once you’ve got your wings, follow these steps to prepare them:
- Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water to remove any excess residue. After rinsing, use paper towels to thoroughly pat them dry. This step is crucial because excess moisture can prevent the wings from getting crispy in the air fryer.
- Trim any excess skin or fat: If you notice any large pieces of skin or fat hanging off the wings, trim them with kitchen shears. This will help the wings cook more evenly and reduce the amount of grease.
- Check for feathers: Occasionally, small feathers may still be attached to the wings. Use tweezers or your fingers to remove any remaining feathers before cooking.
- Let the wings come to room temperature: Allow the wings to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly in the air fryer.
Once your wings are prepped, you’re ready to move on to seasoning and marinating them for maximum flavor.
Seasoning and marinating
Now that your chicken wings are prepped, it’s time to infuse them with flavor. Seasoning and marinating are key steps to ensure your wings are not only crispy but also packed with taste. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or go bold with a variety of spices and marinades. Here’s a basic seasoning guide, along with some optional marinades for those who want to take their wings to the next level.
Basic Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, helps with crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions for Basic Seasoning:
- Coat the wings with olive oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss them to ensure each piece is lightly coated. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispiness in the air fryer.
- Mix the dry seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Season the wings: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the wings, making sure to coat all sides. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the wings for maximum flavor absorption.
Optional Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions for Marinating:
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Marinate the wings: Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Pat dry before cooking: After marinating, remove the wings from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the wings get crispy in the air fryer. Excess moisture from the marinade can prevent proper browning.
Whether you opt for a simple seasoning or a flavorful marinade, your wings are now ready for the air fryer. The next step is cooking them to perfection.
Cooking in the air fryer
Once your wings are seasoned or marinated, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is a game-changer because it allows you to achieve that crispy, golden exterior without the need for deep frying. Plus, it’s faster and healthier! Follow these steps to ensure your wings come out perfectly crispy and juicy every time.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the wings start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which helps them crisp up faster.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer: Place the seasoned or marinated wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each wing to allow for proper air circulation. If you’re cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes: Air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides. If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Check for doneness: The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the wing. If you don’t have a thermometer, the wings should be golden brown and the juices should run clear when pierced.
- Optional: Toss in sauce: If you like your wings saucy, now is the time to toss them in your favorite sauce. Whether it’s buffalo, BBQ, or a garlic parmesan sauce, make sure to coat the wings evenly. You can also return the sauced wings to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to help the sauce set and caramelize slightly.
Once your wings are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.