Easy Air-Fried Chicken Wings
You won't believe how quick and easy it is to make these Air-Fried Chicken wings. They are so delicious, and have a light crispy texture on the outside, yet juicy and moist inside. I love that these are not greasy yet taste and feel like deep-fried chicken wings! I love making them for game days, parties, and Friday movie nights when I want to make something easy but fun and delicious.
The recipe is super easy. You can adjust the amount of spices and seasonings however you like it. I keep it very simple and I only add salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. If you don't like any heat, you can skip chili powder/paprika but they do add a nice kick to the dish.
I also added two other rather unusual ingredients: baking powder and cornstarch. Both these ingredients help immensely to attain a crispy texture.
Why add Baking Powder to chicken wings?
Baking powder contains a combination of an alkaline substance, usually baking soda, and a dry acid, such as cream of tartar. When you add it to chicken wings, the alkaline nature of the baking powder raises the pH of the chicken skin. This slightly elevated pH promotes the Maillard reaction, a fancy term for the chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned foods their enticing flavor and crispy texture. So, in simpler terms, the baking powder helps the chicken wings get that satisfyingly crispy and golden exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful inside.
Why add cornstarch?
Corn starch (all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute) adds a thin flour coating. This helps to give that light crispness to the chicken wings.
I also add a little bit of grated parmesan cheese at the end for flavor.
Air-Fryer Cooking Time for Chicken Wings:
Air Fryers are different from brand to brand. Some air fryers heat up very quickly and some take relatively longer. The best way to check the doneness of the chicken is by using a meat thermometer. For chicken, the cooked temperature is 165F. When your Air-Fried Chicken wings reach the temperature of 165F internally, the wings are perfectly cooked.
Also, it’s important to flip the chicken wings halfway through to ensure they are cooking and crisping up evenly. Make sure to take the wings out of the basket to stop cooking them in residual heat.
Recipe Video
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I hope you give this easy Air-Fried Chicken Wings recipe a try! It's such a yummy quick meal for busy days. Happy Eating!!
More Air-Fryer Recipes you might like:
Air-Fryer salt and pepper Chicken wings
These Air-fried chicken wings are so delicious, and have a light crispy texture on the outside, yet juicy and moist inside. I love that these are not greasy yet taste and feel like deep-fried chicken wings!
- 1 lb chicken winglets (mix of 12 drums + flats) (1lb = 453g)
- 3/4 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp oil (I use avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp corn starch or all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tsp chopped parsley for garnishing(optional)
Pat dry chicken wings to remove any moisture. Add chicken wings to a bowl along with salt, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder and baking powder. Mix well.
Add oil and mix until all the wings are coated in oil. Then add cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Mix until all the wings are coated with starch/flour. If not you can add a little more starch/flour. Set the bowl aside.
Preheat the air fryer at 390F/ 200C for about 2 minutes.
Add chicken wings and arrange them in one layer. Air Fry at 390F/ 200c for about 10 minutes and then flip the chicken wings. Air-fry again for about 4 - 5 minutes or until the chicken wings reach the internal temperature of 165F.
Take out the chicken wings and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.
