Crispy Air Fryer Wings Made Easy: a Delicious Guide

Calling all crazy busy moms who try to serve fast healthy meals – crispy air fryer wings are your new go-to dinner.

With my 4 littles going a million different directions schedules can be nuts. We try our best to all sit down together for a healthy dinner whenever possible. I’ve got a picky eater in my bunch and they all love this meal.

Little do they know it’s fast, easy, and healthy!

So let’s sink our teeth into the art of making succulent, crispy air fryer wings without the guilt of deep frying.

Why Choose Crispy Air Fryer Wings?

Healthy

Using an air fryer to make wings is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods.

By circulating hot air around the wings, the air fryer requires significantly less oil, or in my case none at all. Resulting in wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without the excess grease.

Tasty

They taste so darn good and there are so many options and seasonings you can add to switch it up. We keep ours pretty plain and simple in our house. The best part is just how crispy they come out.

Fast

Additionally, when you air fry it’s incredibly convenient and time-saving. With rapid cooking times and easy cleanup, you can enjoy delicious wings with minimal effort.

Options

Plus, the versatility of the air fryer allows for endless seasoning and flavor options, making it easy to customize your wings to suit any craving.

Quick Clean Up

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a tasty snack, opting to air fry is the perfect way to get crispy wings every time.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Wings

Pat Dry:

Before you start to air fry, make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture before putting your wings in the air fryer helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Season Well:

Season the wings generously with your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors! Baking powder is a key ingredient to achieving the best chicken wings and the yummy crispiness. Don’t skip this step.

For mine, I put the wings in a big bowl and lightly coated them with baking powder. Like I said, the baking powder helps to further dry the wings and ensure they come out super crunchy – in a good way.

I sprinkled parmesan black pepper truffle seasoning on the wings along with some salt. I use pink Himalayan sea salt but kosher salt would work well too.

You could also add a little onion powder or for a little extra kick, you could add cayenne pepper. Another good go-to would be adding a little garlic powder.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the wings. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. A lot of people skip this step so this is optional.

Arrange Properly:

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, so they’re not touching or overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate each wing, promoting even cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd:

Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy wings. Cook in batches if necessary.

Flip Halfway Through:

Flip the wings when they’re halfway done. This will help them to cook evenly on all sides. This helps create a crispy exterior as well.

Use Oil Sparingly if at all:

While a light spritz of olive oil or avocado oil can help enhance crispiness, be careful not to overdo it. Too much oil can result in greasy wings. I don’t even do this step.

Check for Doneness (again optional):

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. I cook mine for like 12 minutes but every air fryer is a little different.

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Like I said this step is optional as I just eyeball mine to see if they’re done and they’re always perfectly juicy.

If they’re not done, just add a few more minutes butwatch them as they cook fast.

Serve Immediately:

Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer wings straight out of the air fryer for the best texture and flavor. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Flavorful Wing Seasing and Dipping Sauces

We like ours plain in our house, but dipping sauces can totally change the taste and add some extra flavor to your perfectly cooked wings. Here’s the part where you bust out your favorite wing sauce and blow everyone’s mind. Other options include:

Blue Cheese Dressing

This is a favorite sauce for traditional wing dipping. This is great for dipping air fryer wings because its tangy and creamy texture complements the rich and savory flavors of the wings.

The sharpness of the blue cheese adds depth to the overall taste. It’s like adding layers of deliciousness for your taste buds.

Asian-Inspired:

These offer flavorful options like teriyaki, honey garlic, or sesame ginger sauces which is a fun variation for enjoying your best wings. Feel free to make your own Asian dipping sauce with a few simple ingredients.

Classic Buffalo Sauce

When you think of Buffalo wings, you think of Buffalo sauce, right?

Kinda like the chicken and the egg.

Buffalo sauce is great for dipping air fryer wings because its tangy and spicy blend enhances the crispy texture of the wings.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is great for dipping air fryer wings because its fiery kick adds a bold and spicy flavor. It creates a great combination of heat and crunch with every bite.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ:

Sweet and tangy BBQ dressing is great for dipping air fryer wings because its rich, smoky flavor complements the crispy texture of the wings.

Classic Ranch

This is an easy go-to for dipping because most people have Ranch dressing in their refrigerator. It’s mild and popular and won’t overpower the taste of the wings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Air Fryer Biscuits

If you haven’t made biscuits in the air fryer, now’s the time to start. They’re fast and delicious and your kids will ask for them over and over again.

Crispy Fries

Why it’s a good pairing: The crunchy texture of fries complements the crispy exterior of the air fryer wings. Plus, they’re a classic side dish that everyone loves

Fresh Veggie Sticks (celery, carrots):

Why it’s a good pairing: The refreshing crunch of raw vegetables is a nice contrast to the richness of the wings. They also seem to balance out the meal. Something about the lightness of the celery sticks brings out the best chicken wings.

Potato Salad

Why it’s a good pairing: Creamy potato salad serves as a hearty and satisfying side dish that contrasts nicely with the crispiness of the air fryer wings. Its mild flavor profile also allows the wings to remain the star of the meal.

Creamy Coleslaw

Why it’s a good pairing: The creaminess of coleslaw helps balance the heat and intensity of spicy wing sauces. Plus, the refreshing cabbage and carrot base adds texture and flavor diversity to the meal.

Beverage Pairings

1. Cold Beer:
   • Why it’s a good pairing: The refreshing taste of a cold beer complements the savory flavors of the air fryer wings. The carbonation helps cut through the richness of the dish, while the cold temperature is a refreshing contrast to the heat of spicy wing sauces.
2. Crisp Cider:
   • Why it’s a good pairing: The fruity flavors of cider counterbalance the savory and sometimes spicy flavors of the chicken wings. The slight sweetness of the cider can also help tame the heat of spicy sauces.
3. Tangy Lemonade:
   • Why it’s a good pairing: The tangy lemonade pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of the air fryer wings. The citrus can help cleanse the palate between bites and provide a cooling effect, especially with spicy wings.
4. Classic Soda (Cola or Root Beer):
   • Why it’s a good pairing: The sweetness of classic sodas like cola or root beer complements the savory flavors of the air fryer chicken wings.
5. Iced Tea:
   • Why it’s a good pairing: The clean, taste of iced tea provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the air fryer chicken wings. Its mild sweetness and subtle bitterness can help balance out the richness of the dish without overpowering it.

Storage and reheating

Be sure to keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good in there for several days.

You can reheat the wings in the air fryer briefly for lunch the next day. It’s nice because doing that ensures they stay crispy as opposed to soggy if you do it in the microwave.

We love to pull the chicken off the bone and put the meat in our salad the following day for lunch. Serve alongside some spinach and veggies and you’ve got a filling meal.

Troubleshooting Tips for Your Air Fryer Chicken Wings

1. Chicken Wings Aren’t Crispy Enough:
   • Ensure chicken wings are thoroughly dried before cooking to remove extra moisture.
   • Increase the cooking temperature slightly and/or cook for a few additional minutes to achieve desired crispiness.
   • Use a light spritz of oil on the chicken wings before cooking to enhance crispiness.
2. Chicken Wings Are Overcooked:
   • Check the chicken wings periodically during cooking to prevent overcooking.
   • Lower the cooking temperature slightly and/or reduce cooking time for future batches.
   • Consider adjusting the position of the chicken wings in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
3. Chicken Wings Are Undercooked:
   • Increase the cooking temperature and/or extend cooking time to ensure chicken wings reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
   • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for better air circulation and even cooking.
4. Chicken Wings Are Sticking to the Basket:
   • Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray before adding the wings.
   • Consider using parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the basket for easier cleanup.
   • Gently shake or flip the chicken wings halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
5. Chicken Wings Are Soggy or Greasy:
   • Ensure chicken wings are properly dried before cooking to remove excess moisture.
   • Avoid using too much oil when seasoning or spritzing the wings.
   • Cook wings in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding and promote crispiness.
   • Consider placing cooked chicken wings on a wire rack or paper towels briefly after cooking to allow excess oil to drain off.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is a quick no no-brainer my kids love and have asked for again and again. The crispy wings are easy to make and they take no time. Also, the sky is the limit when it comes to chicken wing recipes and seasonings you can add to them. We’re just getting started. Please let me know if you’ve made these and what you like to add to your wings to make them irresistible.

Erica Fox

Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!