Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (optional, for coating)
Notes
Instructions
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Preparation:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispiness.
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Seasoning the Wings:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until evenly coated.
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Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
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Cooking the Wings:
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
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Crisping Up:
- Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes to get the wings extra crispy.
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Coating (Optional):
- If desired, toss the cooked wings in buffalo sauce or your favorite wing sauce before serving.
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Cooling:
- Allow the wings to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices settle.
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Serve:
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for a classic pairing.
Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Wings
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Healthier Alternative:
- Air frying eliminates the need for deep-frying, significantly reducing fat and calorie content.
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Crispy Texture:
- Achieves the perfect crispy skin without the greasiness of traditional frying.
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Customizable Flavors:
- Wings can be seasoned or sauced in countless ways, including teriyaki, barbecue, or lemon pepper.
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High in Protein:
- A great source of protein, making this a satisfying snack or meal option.
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Quick and Easy:
- Air fryer wings cook faster than oven-baked wings, with minimal effort and cleanup.
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Perfect for Gatherings:
- Ideal for game days, parties, or as a fun family meal.
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Portion Control:
- Cooking in batches allows better portion control, making it easier to serve a crowd or small group.