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Delicious tender juicy and crispy crunchy chicken wings that are just as delicious as deep fried with just a fraction of the oil – fresh from the air fryer!
Don’t forget to see our top tip for the perfect sauce in the tips and tricks section!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Perfect Keto Air Fryer Wings
Crispy, crunchy, tender and juicy wings – without much work or oil – it sounds like a tall order, right? Thankfully this recipe breaks it down so you can have perfect, delicious crave-worthy wings in no time in the air fryer!
How To Make Air Fryer Wings
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Wings: The main protein source for the dish, chicken wings are tender and flavorful.
- Salt and Pepper: These common seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the wings.
- Rosemary: Adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous note to the wings.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Provide a savory and aromatic flavor to the seasoning blend.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors and contributing to caramelization.
- Dried Onion Flakes: These add texture and a mild onion flavor to the wings.
- Baking Powder: Helps create a crispy texture by drawing out moisture from the chicken skin.
- Creole Seasoning (or Smoked Paprika): Adds complexity and a touch of spiciness to the seasoning mix. Try this mix.
- Italian Seasonings: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile with a blend of dried herbs.
- Olive Oil (garlic flavored): Provides moisture and flavor to the wings, enhancing their texture and taste.
- Liquid Smoke (optional): Adds a smoky flavor, mimicking the taste of smoked wings.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal to the finished dish.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After pre-heating, spray inside cooking tray with cooking spray.
- Dry the Drumsticks with an absorbent paper towel to ensure the seasonings will stick.
- In a bowl mix the Salt, Pepper, Rosemary, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Brown Sugar, dried Onion Flakes, Baking Powder, Creole Seasoning and Italian seasonings.
- Place the trimmed, dried wings in a bowl, or a large zip-lock bag. Pour in the spice mixture and shake or stir to coat.
- Stir the Liquid Smoke drops into the Olive Oil. They won’t mix well, but that’s okay.
- Place seasoned wings in the air fryer in a layer, not touching. Brush them with the Olive Oil.
- Bake in the air fryer for a total of around 10 minutes, turning them over at the 5-minute mark. Reapply oil as you turn them over. Remove wings from the air fryer and check them for doneness by making a slice in one. Wings are done when an internal meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Repeat if you have a second batch.
- Garnish with chopped Parsley, or as desired, and serve with your favorite sauces or dips.
- Enjoy!
tips and Tricks to Perfect Air Fryer Wings
Dry the Wings: Before cooking, make sure the wings are dry. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry wings will result in crispier skin.
Use Baking Powder: Toss the wings in a mixture of baking powder and salt before air frying. This helps to draw out moisture from the skin, promoting crispiness.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the wings. This ensures that the wings start cooking immediately, leading to a crispy exterior.
Arrange in a Single Layer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between them. This allows for even cooking and better air circulation.
Cook in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of wings, it’s better to cook them in batches rather than overcrowding the basket. This ensures that each wing gets enough heat for crispy results.
Spray with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray the wings with cooking oil or use an oil mister. This helps in achieving a golden and crispy texture.
Flip or Shake: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip the wings halfway through cooking or shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the wings are cooked to the right internal temperature (usually 165°F or 74°C), use a meat thermometer. This helps avoid undercooked or overcooked wings.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
The perfect sauce consistency is to take a sauce you love (I love Nando’s – Red Hot and Louisiana are also great) and mix with 2 tablespoons butter in a small pot. When wings are done, place in a large metal bowl and toss in sauce.
Sauce After Cooking: Toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce or glaze after they come out of the air fryer. This prevents the sauce from burning during cooking.
Serve Immediately: For the crispiest results, serve the wings immediately after cooking. They tend to lose their crispiness if left out for too long.
Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavors. You can try various rubs, marinades, or sauces to customize your wings.
Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the wings and the specific air fryer model. Keep a close eye on them, especially the first time you make them, to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer similar to frying but using significantly less oil. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. However, they may take a bit longer to cook than thawed wings. It’s recommended to preheat the air fryer and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
You can use a minimal amount of oil to coat the chicken wings for added crispiness, but it’s not always necessary. Air fryers are designed to cook with less oil, making them a healthier option.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size and quantity of the wings and the specific air fryer model. On average, chicken wings take about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer. It’s essential to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
It’s a good practice to flip the chicken wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
Yes, you can marinate or sauce the chicken wings before cooking them in the air fryer. However, avoid using sugary sauces or marinades, as they can cause excessive smoking. Lightly brush or toss the wings in the sauce of your choice.
To prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment paper or an air fryer liner. This will make it easier to remove the wings without them sticking.
Yes, you can cook different flavors of chicken wings together in the air fryer, but keep in mind that the flavors may mix slightly during cooking. You can separate them with foil or use air fryer accessories to create dividers.
Popular dipping sauces include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, and various hot sauces. Customize your sauces to your taste preferences.
Yes, you can reheat leftover chicken wings in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the wings for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired temperature.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for dipping the wings.
Vegetable Sticks: Serve fresh carrot and celery sticks as a classic accompaniment. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the wings.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a great side dish that complements the crispy wings. It provides a cool and slightly tangy contrast.
French Fries: Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries make for a satisfying side dish that pairs well with wings.
Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, either creamy or vinaigrette-based, is a hearty side that complements the wings nicely.
Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread is a delightful choice, especially if you’re serving barbecue-flavored wings.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is a comforting side that’s perfect for indulging alongside your wings.
Pickles: Sliced dill pickles or bread and butter pickles can add a zesty and crunchy element to your meal.
Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread or garlic knots for a flavorful bread-based side that’s great for mopping up any extra sauce.
Salad: A crisp green salad with your favorite dressing provides a lighter option to balance the richness of the wings.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of sweetness to your meal, balancing the savory flavors.
Beer: If you’re of legal drinking age and enjoy alcoholic beverages, wings pair wonderfully with a cold beer or your favorite beverage.
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Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 –3 pounds chicken wings
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar, dark is preferable, skip for keto
- 1 teaspoon dried Onion Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder, skip for keto
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning, or substitute Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasonings
- 1 tablespoons Olive Oil, garlic flavored is preferable
- 6 drops Liquid Smoke, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped Parsley to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After pre-heating, spray inside cooking tray with cooking spray.
- Dry the Drumsticks with an absorbent paper towel to ensure the seasonings will stick.
- In a bowl mix the Salt, Pepper, Rosemary, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Brown Sugar, dried Onion Flakes, Baking Powder, Creole Seasoning and Italian seasonings.
- Place the trimmed, dried wings in a bowl, or a large zip-lock bag. Pour in the spice mixture and shake or stir to coat.
- Stir the Liquid Smoke drops into the Olive Oil. They won’t mix well, but that’s okay.
- Place seasoned wings in the air fryer in a layer, not touching. Brush them with the Olive Oil.
- Bake in the air fryer for a total of around 10 minutes, turning them over at the 5-minute mark. Reapply oil as you turn them over. Remove wings from the air fryer and check them for doneness by making a slice in one. Wings are done when an internal meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Repeat if you have a second batch.
- Garnish with chopped Parsley, or as desired, and serve with your favorite sauces or dips. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
