Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside: perfecting chicken wings in an air fryer

Are you craving crispy, mouthwatering chicken wings but don’t have the time or patience for deep frying? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This innovative kitchen appliance can elevate your wings to new heights of crispiness, leaving you with a culinary masterpiece.

The Secret to Extra Crispy Wings

The key to achieving extra crispy wings in an air fryer lies in a combination of techniques:

• Dry Brine: Seasoning the wings with salt and baking powder overnight draws out excess moisture, creating a drier surface that crisps up better.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder not only enhances flavor but also acts as a leavening agent, creating microscopic bubbles in the skin that expand and crisp during air frying.
• Double Air Frying: Air frying the wings twice ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Your favorite wing sauce or seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Dry Brine the Wings

In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

3. Air Fry the Wings (First Round)

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

4. Rest the Wings

Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier wings.

5. Air Fry the Wings (Second Round)

Increase the air fryer temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). Place the wings back in the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Season the Wings

Transfer the wings to a serving bowl and toss them with your preferred wing sauce or seasoning.

7. Enjoy!

Serve the extra crispy chicken wings hot and savor the deliciousness.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: This will prevent the wings from cooking evenly and becoming crispy.
• Flip the wings halfway through cooking: This ensures both sides get crispy.
• Use a wire rack: Resting the wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate, preventing sogginess.
• Experiment with different seasonings: Don’t be afraid to try different wing sauces or seasonings to create your own unique flavors.

What to Serve with Chicken Wings:

• Dipping Sauces: Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce
• Side Dishes: Fries, onion rings, celery sticks, or carrot sticks
• Drinks: Beer, soda, or your favorite beverage

Healthier Air Fryer Chicken Wings

To make healthier chicken wings, consider the following tips:

• Use skinless chicken wings: This reduces the fat content.
• Bake the wings instead of air frying: Baking is a healthier cooking method that still produces crispy wings.
• Choose low-fat or fat-free dipping sauces: This helps cut calories and fat.

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

2. How long can I store leftover chicken wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. What is the best way to reheat chicken wings?
Reheat wings in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.