Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings Recipe 

If you love chicken wings, it's time to revolutionize your game with the magic of air frying! Say goodbye to the guilt of deep-frying without sacrificing the crunch, and welcome to the era of Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings. These wings are not just any wings; they're a crispy, golden delight, promising all the flavor and texture you crave with a fraction of the oil. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked, juicy wing, enveloped in a crispy, savory coating that crackles with every bite. And the best part? It's all done in the air fryer, giving you that irresistible crunch with minimal fuss.

In this post, I will share how to make this delicious air fryer breaded chicken wings that is golden crispy.

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare two medium-sized bowls—one for the dry mixture and the other for the wet mixture.

2. Pat chicken wings with a paper towel to ensure it is dry.

3. In the wet mixture bowl, crack and beat the eggs.

4. Combine the remaining ingredients (except for the chicken wings) in a separate bowl for the dry mixture. Make sure they are well-mixed for consistent taste.

5. Place chicken wings first into the dry mixture, then into the wet mixture, and finally back into the dry mix again. Ensure even coating and shake off any excess flour. Place the coated wing in the air fryer basket.

6. Repeat the process until the air fryer basket is filled, making sure not to stack the wings and leave a gap in between each one.

7. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes, and then add the chicken wings to the preheated air fryer.

8. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) and cook wings for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the chicken wings reach your desired golden crispiness. The total time to cook the wing will depend on the size of your chicken wings. At the 15-minute mark, flip the wings over or shake the air fryer basket to ensure even air frying and prevent sticking.

9. Once the chicken wings are cooked in the air fryer, carefully remove them from the appliance. Serve the delicious air-fried chicken wings alongside your preferred dipping sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Note: If you only have frozen chicken wings or half-thaw chicken wings, read below on how to thaw them faster and make this recipe.

Once you are done, don't forget to clean the air fryer, as this recipe can leave some mess behind.

#2 Coat Your Chicken Wings Evenly

To make crispy air-fried chicken wings, ensure each wing is coated evenly with the egg and flour mixture. If you don't coat evenly, the area that is not coated will not be crispy.

To ensure the air fryer chicken wings get an even coating, shake off any excess dry mixture by shaking lightly or tapping it against the side of the bowl. This step helps prevent clumps and promotes even cooking.

#3 Use Fresh Or Thaw Chicken Wings

To achieve optimal crispiness, I would advise against directly air-frying frozen chicken wings. Instead, I recommend thawing the wings, gently patting them dry, and finally air-frying them.

#4 Make Sure Your Air Fryer Is Clean

Before preparing chicken wings in your air fryer, it is important to clean the appliance thoroughly. If you have previously used the air fryer for another dish, residual flavors may affect the taste of the air fryer wings. Additionally, it is advisable to clean the air fryer after cooking the wings, as they tend to leave behind some debris and grease.

#5 Use Oil Spray For Extra Crispiness

If you want extra crispy chicken wings, lightly spray your breaded wings with olive oil or avocado oil.

How To Store Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Wings And Reheat

To store any leftover air fryer chicken wing, follow these steps:

1. After cooking the air fryer chicken wings, it is important to allow them to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation and helps maintain their texture and quality during storage.
2. Place the leftover cooked chicken wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Ensure the container or wrapping is completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from permeating.
3. Label the container with the date to keep track of the storage time
4. Place the container with the air fryer chicken wings in the refrigerator for safe storage. The wings can be kept refrigerated for approximately 3-4 days. 
5. If you want to store the crispy chicken wings longer, you can place them in the freezer. Transfer the cooled wings to a freezer-safe container or airtight freezer bags, remove any excess air, and seal tightly. The chicken wings can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
6. When you're ready to relish the leftover chicken wings, if they are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process ensures that the wings thaw evenly and remain safe to consume. Reheating in the air fryer or oven at a moderate temperature until heated through will help restore their crispiness.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings

While you can make air-fried chicken wings from frozen chicken wings, they work better with dry rubs than breaded chicken wings.

Frozen chicken wings often contain excessive water, and when air-fried, this excess water can accumulate at the bottom of the fryer basket, leading to undesired steam production. This can negatively impact the crispiness, particularly when dealing with flour-coated wings.

Furthermore, using frozen wings poses a risk of uneven cooking, potentially resulting in undercooked or overcooked wings.

Additional steps are involved if you are determined to prepare air fryer frozen chicken wings. Begin by placing the frozen chicken wings into the air fryer basket and air frying them at 350F for approximately 10 minutes to defrost.

After cooking the chicken wings in the air fryer, carefully remove them from the appliance and transfer them to a plate. It is important to let the wings cool down for a few minutes before serving. Once cooled, pat them dry. From this point, you can proceed with the instructions provided above.

Before following the instructions above, it is crucial to check the bottom of your air fryer basket for any excess water accumulation. If you notice any excess water, carefully remove it before proceeding with the cooking process.

It's important to note that cooking frozen chicken wings takes a slightly longer cooking time compared to thawed chicken wings.

How To Thaw Chicken Wings Fast

I highly recommend thawing your frozen wings overnight by placing them in the refrigerator to achieve the utmost crispness in your air fryer chicken wings. However, if you find yourself short on time or decide to make chicken wings spontaneously, and you only have frozen wings at hand, here are a few options you can try to thaw them more quickly:

Thaw In Cold Water

To expedite the thawing process for your frozen chicken wings, place them inside a zip-lock bag and submerge the bag in a large bowl filled with cold or room-temperature water. Use a weight or heavy object to keep the bag submerged. Change the water every 30 minutes and occasionally flip the bag to ensure even thawing may be necessary.

Tip: Avoid using warm water to thaw your chicken wings, as this may result in premature cooking and potentially leaching chemicals from the plastic bag into the chicken. Additionally, refrain from placing the frozen chicken wings directly into the water, as moisture is best minimized for achieving crispy wings.

Thaw In A Microwave

If you're looking for the quickest way to thaw your frozen chicken wings, it's recommended that you use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Tip: If you use this method, you will need to cook your chicken wings right away, or else they are more likely to be spoiled.

Thaw In An Air Fryer

To begin, put your frozen chicken wings directly into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and air fry them for approximately 10 minutes or until they visibly thaw. Once they have thawed, you can prepare them according to your preferred method or recipe.

Tip: During the defrosting process in an air fryer, it is common to observe water accumulating on the bottom of the basket tray as the ice crystals from the frozen chicken wings melt. Before cooking the chicken, it is essential to drain the water from the basket to prevent excessive moisture and ensure optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQs

How Long Do I Cook Breaded Chicken Wings In An Air Fryer?

The cooking times for chicken wings in an air fryer can vary depending on factors such as the size, thickness, and specific air fryer model. As a general guideline, it typically takes around 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for breaded chicken wings to cook in an air fryer. However, it's essential to check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the wings are crispy and golden brown.

Can I Use Frozen Breaded Chicken Wings In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen breaded chicken wings in an air fryer. It's recommended that you follow the cooking instructions provided on the wings' packaging, as they may require specific time and temperature settings. Cooking frozen breaded chicken wings in an air fryer may take slightly longer than fresh ones.

Do I Need To Preheat My Air Fryer Before Cooking Breaded Chicken Wings?

Preheating the air fryer is often recommended for even cooking and optimal results. However, if your specific air fryer model doesn't require preheating or doesn't have a preheat option, you can still cook the breaded chicken wings without preheating, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

How Do I Prevent The Breading From Sticking To The Air Fryer Basket?

To prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket, consider using these tips:

• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before placing the breaded chicken wings on it.
• Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the air fryer basket, leaving space for proper airflow.
• To ensure even browning and prevent sticking, it is recommended to flip the chicken wings halfway through the cooking process in the air fryer. This simple step helps ensure that both sides of the wings are evenly cooked, resulting in a more balanced and crispy outcome.

Can I Use Different Types Of Breading Or Coatings For Air Fryer Chicken Wings?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various types of breading or coatings for your air fryer chicken wings. Traditional bread crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even a mixture of spices and crushed potato chips can create different textures and flavors.

Can I Stack The Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer, Or Should I Cook Them In A Single Layer?

For this recipe's crispest results, stacking the breaded wings in the air fryer is not recommended. Stacking can cause the coating to expand and stick together, compromising the texture. Additionally, the airflow in the air fryer is optimized for single-layer cooking. By arranging the breaded chicken wings in a single layer with some space in between, you allow for even airflow and better overall crispiness.

Are Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings Healthy

When comparing crispy breaded chicken wings, it is worth noting that air fryer breaded chicken wings are generally considered healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. Air frying requires minimal or no oil, resulting in lower fat content and fewer calories compared to deep-fried wings.

However, it's essential to be mindful that chicken wings contain skin and fat despite being a good protein source. These components, particularly the skin, can contribute to higher calorie and fat content. If health is a concern, removing the skin before breading and cooking the wings is advisable, and this can help reduce the overall fat content and improve the nutritional profile.

Ultimately, while air-fried breaded chicken wings offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, moderation and mindful consumption are key to maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Pairing the wings with healthier side dishes and incorporating various nutrient-dense foods can help create a well-rounded meal.