What You'll Need
- 2 pounds (about 900g) chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste)
- Optional: Cooking spray for use with the air fryer basket.
Steps to Make Crispy Chicken Wings
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
Rinse and thoroughly dry the chicken wings with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy texture. Remove any excess fat or skin if you prefer.
2. Season the Wings
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This creates a flavorful seasoning blend.
3. Coat the Wings
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, so check your air fryer’s manual for specifics.
5. Arrange the Wings
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or use parchment paper or a silicone liner for easier cleanup. Place the wings in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
6. Cook the Wings
Air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking times may differ depending on the size of the wings and the model of the air fryer.
7. Check for Doneness
To ensure the wings are safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve
Remove the wings from the air fryer once crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing.
Tips
- Monitor the cooking time as it can vary between air fryer models.
- Customize the seasoning to your preference. Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat, or try different flavors like barbecue or lemon pepper.
- If cooking a large batch, do so in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- For optimal results, follow the specific instructions provided with your air fryer.