There's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crispy chicken wing with juicy meat inside. While traditional deep-fried wings are delicious, they come with extra calories and mess that most of us would rather avoid. That's where my air fryer chicken wings recipe comes in! Today, I'm sharing my foolproof method for making restaurant-quality wings right at home using an air fryer.
Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why air fryer chicken wings have become my go-to method. First, they require significantly less oil than deep frying, making them a healthier option without sacrificing that crispy exterior we all crave. Second, there's minimal cleanup compared to traditional frying methods. And finally, the results are consistently amazing – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside- every single time.
I've tested this recipe using my Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 cooker, which I consider the BEST airfryer, pressure cooker, and slow cooker combo machine on the market. The versatility of this appliance is unmatched, but any quality air fryer will work for this recipe.
Jump to:
- The Secret to Super Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Wing Success
- Why My Ninja Foodi Makes a Difference
- Perfect Pairings for Your Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
- Related
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The Secret to Super Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The key to achieving super crispy chicken wings in the air fryer comes down to three critical factors:
- Thoroughly drying the wings before cooking
- Using the right seasoning (Morton's Nature's Seasons Blend is my go-to!)
- The right cooking temperature and timing
Let's break down each step of my foolproof method:
Ingredients You'll Need
I prefer to keep the base of the wing recipe simple so that any sauce that you make or put on the wings will complement the flavors. For that reason, I use a seasoning blend to season the wings. I don't add flour (because with this method,d the skin gets really crispy and is the star of the show!), and I only use a little bit of spray oil to help the seasoning stick.
- fresh chicken wings, separated into drums and flats
- Morton's Nature's Seasons Seasoning Blend
- Olive oil spray
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The journey to crispy perfection begins with proper preparation. If your wings aren't already separated, cut them at the joints to create drumettes and flats, discarding the wing tips or saving them for stock. You can also leave them whole, which I did for this recipe.
Next comes the most crucial step that many recipes skip: thoroughly patting the wings dry. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible from the surface of the wings. This might seem tedious, but it's absolutely essential for achieving that crispy exterior.
- Step 1: Put chicken wings in a large bowl, give the wings a quick spray with some oil. If you are not using a spray add the oil a table spoon as needed to avoid using too much.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the wings generously with Morton's Nature Seasoning. Seriously, be generous. You want the wings to be seasoned well.
- Step 3: Give the wings a stir, and repeat steps 1 and 2 until all the wings are coated with seasoning.
- Step 4: Put the wings in the air fryer in a single layer. DO NOT put the wings on top of each other. If you do they will not crisp up. Air fry at 390 for 20 minutes
- Step 5: After 20 minutes, roate the wings, and cook for another 10-20 minutes depending on your airfryer.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Wing Success
After making countless batches of air fryer chicken wings, I've gathered some pro tips to share:
Let the wings rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the exterior to crisp up even more.
Don't skip the drying step. I can't stress this enough - moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Use fresh wings if possible. While frozen wings work, fresh ones tend to crisp up better.
If using frozen wings, thaw them completely and pat them extra dry before seasoning.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the wings with olive oil spray before the final high-temperature cooking stage.
Why My Ninja Foodi Makes a Difference
I have to give special mention to my Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 cooker, which has revolutionized my wing game. The combination of pressure cooking and air frying capabilities means I can even pressure cook my wings for a few minutes before air frying for the ultimate juicy-inside, crispy-outside result. It's truly the BEST airfryer, pressure cooker, and slow cooker combo I've ever used.
Perfect Pairings for Your Air Fryer Chicken Wings
A platter of crispy chicken wings deserves great accompaniments. Here are my favorites:
- Classic celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce
- Crispy air-fried potato wedges (use your air fryer while the wings rest!)
- A tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness
- Cold craft beer or a sparkling lemonade
Top Tip
Dry the wings! Excess moisture is one of the number one reasons wings don't get crispy when cooking.
FAQ
You have to dry the chicken, or in this case chicken wings, and add back a little bit of oil to help seasonings stick and to help the skin get crispy.
Yes! You want to make sure that your wings are seasoned and have a little bit of oil on them before air frying.
I like to use just a spray canola oil. Any oil will work because we aren't using much.
Honestly, an air fryer is a different kind of oven system but you can learn more about them in this BBC article about the science behind air fryers!
Final Thoughts
Once you master this air fryer chicken wings recipe, you might never order takeout wings again! The combination of convenience, healthier cooking, and incredible results makes this method unbeatable. The simplicity of just wings and Morton's Nature's Seasons makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend game days.
Whether you're preparing for game day, a weekend snack, or just satisfying a wing craving, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend.
Give this method a try, and I guarantee you'll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve chicken wing perfection at home! And if you want another perfect recipe to complement these wings check out our Pimento Chesse Jalapéno Poppers!
Happy air frying!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Wings
- 4-5 tablespoon Morton's Nature Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Oil If you are using spray oil, measure with your heart!
Instructions
- Remove wings from the package, and pat dry with paper towels or a dish cloth. If using a cloth make sure you remove it from your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination.
- Put wings in a large bowl
- Give the wings a quick spray with oil
- Generously sprinkle the wings with Morton's Nature Seasoning
- Mix wings
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until wings are coated with seasoning
- Arrange wings in air fryer so that they are in a single layer.
- Air fry at 390 degrees for 20 minutes
- Rotate the wings and air fry for another 10-20 minutes depending on your air fryer.
- Remove wings and serve!
Notes
- Pat the wings dry thoroughly before cooking for maximum crispiness
- Toss wings in a small amount of oil and seasoning for extra crispy skin
- Arrange wings in a single layer with space between them for air circulation
- For best results, spray the basket with non-stick spray before adding wings
- Toss in your favorite sauce immediately after cooking while still hot
Leave a Reply